Badger Talks
Bringing the UW to you.

Troy Reeves

Distinguished Oral Historian

General Library l University Archives

Hometown: Blackfoot, ID

Since 2007, Troy Reeves has led oral history activities for the UW-Madison Archives. As head of the campus oral history program, Troy speaks to groups on oral history in general and on UW-Madison-focused oral history projects.

Talks:

What is Oral History? And Why Does it Matter?
The term oral history appears a lot online, so much so that its true meaning has become obscured. Professional oral historians, such as UW-Madison Oral History Program Head Troy Reeves, have tried to push back against this phenomenon through his writings and presentations, including showing examples of “real” oral history done by Wisconsin organizations. So, join him as he answers two questions: What’s oral history? And why does it matter?
Stop. What's that Sound? The UW–Madison Archives & the Vietnam Era
The late 1960s (and early 1970s) not only stand out as a tumultuous and historic time in the U.S. but also on UW-Madison’s campus. Through a small portion of the University Archives written, image, and audio collection, Troy Reeves—head of the Archives’ oral history program—will tell the story of those turbulent years on campus. Since Reeves serves as UW-Madison’s oral historian, he will focus his presentation on audio excerpts and transcripts, making this story come primarily from the people—administrators, faculty, staff, and students—who lived it.
100+ years of Oral History at UW

Join Distinguished Oral Historian Troy Reeves as he offers an overview of the century-plus oral history of UW-Madison. This lecture, which can be between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the group’s timeframe, discusses the history of the UW-Madison Oral History Program–including clips from interviews—as well as the importance of both the program & the University Archives (OHP’s home) to our campus’s history.

Needs: Group would need to provide a projector, screen (or blank wall), microphone, and speakers.

WORKSHOP: Oral History: What Is It (and Why Is It Important)?

Interested in doing an oral history interview or project or just wondering what it actually is? This 90-minute workshop, presented by UW’s Distinguished Oral Historian Troy Reeves, will help by offering an overview of the art & science of oral history.

Maximum attendance: 15-20
Length: 90 minutes
Setup needs: Project, screen (or blank wall), microphone, and either in-room or portable speaker(s). No other setup needs, including for audience.