Lafayette Oral History Collection

In spring 2024, the Lafayette Oral History Project began new oral history interviews within five focus areas: Female Leaders of Lafayette, History of Open Space in Lafayette, History of the Arts in Lafayette, Latino Histories of Lafayette, and Living in Lafayette. ​

Female Leaders of Lafayette
This collection spotlights women who have made a civic impact in Lafayette, whether in government or as a citizen. Lafayette has a strong legacy of female leaders. The oral histories of Sharon Stetson, Carolyn Cutler, and Vicki Trumbo are each unique, yet collectively reflect the challenges and achievements found within Lafayette's political history.
History of Open Space in Lafayette
This subcollection is about the history of those who passionately fought for our Open Space, resulting in the enhanced beauty of our city, including Lafayette’s designation as a Tree City in 1995 and a Bird City in 2019. Included in our collection are interviews with Grant Swift, Martin Ogle, and Karen Norback. Their stories demonstrate Lafayette’s physical transformation during a period of widespread population growth, urban development, and environmental protection efforts. Additionally, they illustrate how the city prioritized environmental education for youth and adults. Open space advocacy was one that was largely driven by the voices and preservation efforts from citizens, and stories from these oral histories include testimony of moments of Lafayette’s political history that resulted in today’s expansive trail and wildlife open space system.
History of the Arts in Lafayette
This subcollection features histories of those who seeded the arts in Lafayette, which blossomed into the creative, diverse, and eclectic town we enjoy today. The robust arts scene in Lafayette contributes to the city's strong sense of community. Whether it is the sculptures on display on South Public Road, a visit to the Collective Community Arts Center, attending Art Night Out, or heading into pARTiculars, the arts can be found all over Lafayette. Included in our collection are interviews with local artists and organizers Susan Booker, Rachel Hanson, David Fodel, Sara Rockinger, and a group interview with four of the founding members of pARTiculars.
Latino Histories of Lafayette
Our goal with this subcollection was to expand on the record of primary sources of the rich Latino heritage within Lafayette. Our team quickly realized that the voices captured in our archival collection excluded Latino voices. This subcollection highlights the experiences, frustrations, joys, and immense contributions members of our community made and continue to make to Lafayette. Included in our collection are interviews with Tony and Elanor Montour, Pancho Hansen, and Carol Abeyta Sadler. Their stories demonstrate contributions to the city such as the foundation of Clinica Family Health, generational soccer mentorship, the beautification of Lafayette, and much more. This subcollection contains testimony of discrimination and acceptance, the diversity of which are invaluable additions to a more complete and honorific historical narrative.
Living in Lafayette
For this subcollection, we gathered stories of life in Lafayette through the decades and observations of the changes the community has experienced. Included in our collection is Arlee Lee, Nancy West, Gerry Morrell, Jim Ortega, Mike Beranek, Flora Kemp, and Vicki and Dave Trumbo.