The Center for Oral History (COH) in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Social Sciences is marking its 50th anniversary, commemorating five decades of preserving the state’s history through first-person accounts. Since its founding, the center has archived more than 1,200 personal, multi-ethnic accounts from Native Hawaiian and local populations, spanning historic events, cultural traditions and everyday life.
Preserving Hawaiʻi voices
As one of the nation’s oldest oral history institutions, COH serves as a critical bridge between generations. Its collection features documented accounts of how past generations navigated major environmental, social and economic shifts. Today, this archive provides unique insights for policymakers, educators and youth who are addressing contemporary island challenges such as food security, shoreline preservation and cultural sustainability.
See the entire archive on the COH website
“Our textbooks offer facts, but it is the recorded voices of our kūpuna that capture the true resilience and spirit of Hawaiʻi,” said Mary Kunmi Yu Danico, COH director. “As our islands evolve rapidly, preserving this collective memory ensures that future generations have a cultural and historical roadmap to guide them.”
Join in anniversary events
In celebration of its 50th anniversary milestone, the center is hosting a series of educational workshops and outreach events across the state. The events open to the general public include:
- August to November: Oral history community consultation meetings.
- September 22, 2026: (Time TBA) Livestreaming of Museum of Korean Emigration Exhibit in Incheon, South Korea, on the Korean Prisoners of War at Honouliuli (research from National Parks Service).
- October 16, 2026: 4–9 p.m. Livestreaming of the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Music, Art, Poetry and Talk story. Opportunities to sponsor.
- Late October/Early November: (TBD) Kahoʻolawe Aloha ʻĀina Oral History Project launch (public talk in conjunction with the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana’s 50th anniversary).
- November (TBD): Kauaʻi 1924 Hanapēpē Strike Event.
- November 9–22: Oral History Talks and Workshops: Video streamed on YouTube regarding Kosovo-Fulbright Specialist award.
To ensure these vital preservation efforts continue in perpetuity, COH is inviting the community to make a gift and support the ongoing collection, digitization and maintenance of the archive—effectively preserving the past for the future.
For more information about the upcoming anniversary events, visit the COH website.
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