Collection & Oral Histories Committee

Co-chairs: Esther Gillies and Elise Johnson

Oral Histories: Preserving the Past for the Future

Using guidelines for soliciting, gathering, and maintaining oral histories and materials collection established by the Board, the Collections Committee creates and implements an annual plan for conducting interviews and materials collection five activities, tracks and monitors the flow of information related to interviews and materials collection from initial contact throughout the collection process to placement of materials in the library CSWA By-Laws Amended and Approved by Board on January 13, 2020 5 of 5 archives, reviews and updates needs for the collection process, and recommends to the Board resource allocation for the collection activity. The size of the committee varies depending on the level of collection activity at any given time. The Committee may add non-board members with special expertise or create subcommittees for special projects. The Committee Chair must be a board member and is appointed by the President.

The CSWA Oral History Collection contains interviews with persons important in the history of social work in Southern California and in the nation. They offer insight and understanding of contemporary societal issues and potential solutions through their personal experience in the profession. The earliest interviews were audio only, and video interviews were instituted in 2005.

Examples of interviewees in the collection include Carmelita White, the first African-American graduate of the USC School of Social Work in 1932; George Nickel, one of the leaders in the advancement of social welfare in California and the founder of the CSWA, from his entrance into the profession during the Great Depression until his death (1990); and Charles Schottland, Social Security Commissioner during the Eisenhower administration and head of the U.S. Children's Bureau.

Selections from a few oral interviews of California Social Work Hall of Distinction members are featured in this exhibit, describing navigating the social work profession while facing political, social, and economic barriers, advocating for children and other underserved populations, influencing and promoting legislation and policy changes, conducting research, and working to increase diversity in social work.