Record your family's stories with Liam on August 8th

Oral history for beginners, kids, teens, and families Featuring Leila Salmon and Chuck Bridge Saturday, August 8, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Many of our family stories never get written down, and once they're gone, they're gone. In this class, we’ll learn how to listen to and record stories using simple, affordable tools.  This workshop is open to all ages. We'd especially love to see: Kids and teens who want to interview a parent, grandparent, or neighbor Longtime residents who want to get their own history down before it slips away Newcomers who are curious about the community along Oregon’s North Coast By the end of the afternoon, you'll know how to choose someone to interview, ask good questions, record audio on a phone, and save your files correctly. We will also discuss what oral history is and why a recorded voice might be preferable to a written note. We will practice interviews in pairs. Students will record a short, real conversation with a partner, then switch places. We will discuss consent, care, and how to label and save your files to share a recording with family or add it to a community collection. Please bring a smartphone if you have one. We'll have a couple of backup recorders on hand.  This class is free for anyone under 18. Suggested donation of $50 for adults; nobody turned away for lack of funds. Together, we'll explore the basics of cultural interviewing and recording. We'll be joined by Leila Salmon, Manzanita's 2020 Citizen of the Year and former Council Member. Leila has deep roots in this community, and we are excited to help document more of her stories. We will also interview Chuck Bridge, Citizen of the Year for 2026. He serves on the Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue District board and has a long record of community volunteerism. He was the Grand Marshal of our local July 4th parade. About your instructor Liam Whitworth has a background in oral history, poetry, and narrative work, along with years of civic communications experience. He's comfortable on both sides of a recorded conversation and teaches the craft of interviewing without making it feel technical or intimidating. Hoffman Center classes and events are often photographed or filmed, and we love sharing those moments on our social media, website, and newsletter so people can get a feel for what it's like to create and connect here. By registering, you agree to be included in images of the event you have registered for. If you would prefer not to appear in images, please tell a staff member when you arrive.