Steelworker Oral History Project | Rivers of Steel
Support Materials
What is an Oral History Project?
Oral history is a recording of historical information, obtained through an interview that preserves a person’s life history or eyewitness account of a past experience. Oral history projects are initiatives planned, designed, and executed by individuals or groups to create and preserve personal stories.
Oral history helps round out the story of the past by providing a fuller, more accurate picture of the past by augmenting the information provided by public records, statistical data, photographs, maps, letters, diaries, and other historical materials. Eyewitnesses to events contribute various viewpoints and perspectives that fill in the gaps in documented history and stories that have been untold or forgotten
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About
This lesson features three oral history transcripts detailing first hand accounts of individuals who worked at J & L Steel in Aliquippa. The oral histories were conducted by Rivers of Steel staff and the individuals who agreed to be interviewed discuss their work history and life in the mill spanning from WWII, during the Vietnam War, and on through the decline of the steel industry.
There are reflection questions at the end of each individual transcript as well as summary questions at the end of the readings to guide the reader in comparing and contrasting each persons’ experiences. There is also a glossary of terms and steelworker jargon at the end of the lesson.
Some tracks in the original transcripts were omitted from this lesson plan for lack of relevancy for this lesson. It is recommended that educators read through the transcripts for grade-level
appropriateness prior to assigning this reading to students.
Credits: Rivers of Steel
Standards
8.1 Historical Analysis and Skills Development
- 8.1.A Chronological Thinking
- 8.1.B Historical Comprehension
- 8.1.C Historical Interpretation
- 8.1.D Historical Research
- Students engage in interpreting and analyzing primary sources—such as eyewitness transcripts from the steel mill—evaluating credibility, identifying perspectives, and reconstructing historical context.
8.2 Pennsylvania History, 8.3 United States History, 8.4 World History
- Contributions of Individuals & Groups (e.g., steelworkers during WWII, Vietnam)
- Documents, Artifacts & Historical Places (e.g., transcripts as primary sources)
- Influences of Continuity & Change (e.g., the rise and decline of J & L Steel)
- Conflict & Cooperation (e.g., wartime production, labor dynamics)
Grades 6–8
- CC.8.5.6‑8.A: Cite specific textual evidence from primary and secondary sources.
- CC.8.5.6‑8.B: Determine central ideas and accurately summarize primary/secondary sources.
- CC.8.5.6‑8.C: Identify key steps in historical processes (e.g., steel production timeline).
Grades 9–10
- CC.8.5.9‑10.A: Cite evidence, focusing on date/origin of information.
- CC.8.5.9‑10.B: Determine central ideas and provide summaries distinct from prior knowledge.
Grades 11–12
- CC.8.5.11‑12.B: Determine central ideas and provide accurate, objective summaries.
- CC.8.5.11‑12.A: Cite specific evidence and connect details to overall understanding.
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