In partnership with the Maine Memory Network Maine Memory Network

The Great Depression

Text and Audio files by Georges Valley High School 10th Grade History Class.

On November 18, 2008, the sophomore social studies class of Georges Valley High School began their oral history unit. Their unit is part of exploring Thomaston’s history through the Maine Community Heritage Project. The students formed into groups and were assigned to interview and capture the memories of someone who had lived in Thomaston during The Great Depression. Before the process began, the students learned techniques for how to conduct an interview from MPBN’s Keith Shortall. Keith Shortall conducted a live interview with his aunt, Signe Gardner of Thomaston, as well. Along with Keith Shortall, Maine Historical Society staff also provided the students with the information and supplies they would need to conduct a memorable interview.

On each page you will find the most capturing clips of their interviews, as well as their transcriptions.