Educational Memories on Video, from Oral History to Public History

ABSTRACT This article examines the relationship between memory and history in education, focusing on the potential of video-recorded oral testimonies as historical sources and their contribution to the field of public history. It explores the contemporary emphasis on memory and its growing influence in public discourse, sometimes at the expense of rigorous historical research. Drawing upon Halbwachs’ notion of the past as a mediated construct, the article advocates for the integration of lived experiences and subjective perceptions into educational history, arguing that oral testimonies complement traditional sources, offering a more nuanced and multidimensional understanding. The “Educational Memories on Video” project and the database at www.memoriascolastica.it, concentrating on educational experiences primarily within Italy, serve as key examples. The main argument emphasizes the importance of revitalizing the history of education by cultivating memory through intergenerational communication and accessible historical sources. The conclusion highlights the portal’s role as a crucial resource in countering the decline of memory and promoting rigorous historical-educational investigations.