About Us

The specific purpose of the Elgin Oral History Project is to preserve the history of the City of Elgin for the edification of future generations. History not documented is usually lost to the future, and decisions based on faulty or incomplete understanding may lead to poor decisions. History can reflect what the was observed or believed about the event. Additionally, historical documents, such as transcripts of oral histories, enable future generations to get as close as possible to what happened during a historical event or time. Oral history provides a fuller, more accurate picture of the past by augmenting the information provided by public records, statistical data, photographs, maps, letters, diaries, and other historical materials.

The Elgin Oral History Project aims to show how Elgin has grown and the many paths that have been taken to arrive at today. EOHP plans to demonstrate how the many physical and social changes have driven Elgin to the outstanding example of a modern Texas small town of today through personal interviews with current and former residents. It also plans to offer written stories from these residents, reflecting the life and times of the community. These interviews and stories should be maintained electronically and on social media platforms.