Stories

An oral history is an interview that records an individual’s personal recollections of the past and historical events. Using this method of gathering, preserving, and interpreting ensures that the voices and memories of people, communities, and participants are added to the historical record.

Through funding from the Josiah Charles Trent Memorial Foundation Endowment Fund, Duke University Medical Center Library Archives worked with local oral historian Josephine McRobbie to capture the unique stories from nurse midwives and other birth workers in Durham, North Carolina. These interviews provide first-hand accounts of the history of the Duke Midwifery Service, social and institutional relationships between Duke and Durham, and maternal health. Portions of these longer interviews have been edited into shorter narrative clips from each woman featured.