NORWAY – A free oral history workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Norway Historical Society. The topic will be “The Art of Interviewing” and the focus will be the upcoming oral history project at the Oxford County Fair.

The presenter will be Jo Radner, a folklorist, oral historian and educator who taught for 30 years at American University in Washington, D.C. Upon her retirement, she returned to her family roots in Lovell and offers workshops on collecting and performing oral histories for schools, historical societies and other community groups.

“Jo is an engaging and delightful teacher,” said Ellen Gibson, who is coordinating the workshop. “You will come away with many practical interview techniques and the confidence to put your new skills to use.”

The workshop will prepare participants to record oral histories at the Oxford County Fair, as part of the Farm Life Center, a new exhibition debuting in September. The exhibition celebrates Oxford County farmers with demonstrations, exhibits and photos, and highlights the impact of agriculture on the local economy. Fairgoers are being asked to bring their “farm memories – past and present” to the center, so they may be recorded for posterity.

The free workshop is made possible through the support of the Maine Humanities Council in collaboration with the Norway Historical Society, the Oxford County Fair Association and the Oxford County Ag Group. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Ellen Gibson at 674-3887 or by e-mail at [email protected].