Richmond Hill Oral History Projects
In 1951, shortly after Clara Ford's death, the Ford Motor Company conducted oral history interviews to document memories of the Ford era in Richmond Hill. These early recordings provide an important firsthand record of the people and experiences that shaped the community during that transformative period.
Building on this foundation, the Richmond Hill Historical Society has led several oral history projects over the years to preserve local stories. Beginning in the 1980s, interviews focused on former Ford employees and their children, capturing personal accounts of daily life and work during the Ford years.
On April 16, 2019, in conjunction with the restoration and grand opening of the Richmond Hill Visitors Center in the former Henry Ford Bakery Building, the City of Richmond Hill and the Richmond Hill Historical Society invited native Richmond Hillers to sit down and share their stories. We are grateful to all who participated and generously contributed their memories and time.
Today, the project continues as we expand our collection to include younger generations and stories from the post-Ford era, ensuring that Richmond Hill’s evolving history is preserved for future generations.
Building on this foundation, the Richmond Hill Historical Society has led several oral history projects over the years to preserve local stories. Beginning in the 1980s, interviews focused on former Ford employees and their children, capturing personal accounts of daily life and work during the Ford years.
On April 16, 2019, in conjunction with the restoration and grand opening of the Richmond Hill Visitors Center in the former Henry Ford Bakery Building, the City of Richmond Hill and the Richmond Hill Historical Society invited native Richmond Hillers to sit down and share their stories. We are grateful to all who participated and generously contributed their memories and time.
Today, the project continues as we expand our collection to include younger generations and stories from the post-Ford era, ensuring that Richmond Hill’s evolving history is preserved for future generations.
Help Preserve the Voices of Richmond Hill – Support Our Newest Oral History Project
Richmond Hill is more than just a place — it’s a community rich with stories that have shaped our past and will inspire future generations. The Richmond Hill Historical Society is launching a new Richmond Hill Oral History Project to capture and preserve the personal stories, memories, and voices of those who have lived, worked, and built their lives in our community.
With your support, we can record and safeguard these invaluable oral histories before they are lost to time. Your donation will help us:
✅ Conduct and professionally record interviews with longtime residents and community leaders.
✅ Digitally archive and transcribe stories for public access and future generations.
✅ Host exhibits, events, and educational programs based on these oral histories.
Join Us in Making History
Your generous contribution—whether $25, $250, $1,000, or more—will directly fund this effort. As a donor, you will be recognized on our website, in publications, and at future project events. More importantly, you will play a vital role in preserving Richmond Hill's legacy.
Visit the link below to make your gift today
or
mail a check to:
Richmond Hill Historical Society & Museum
P. O. Box 381
Richmond Hill
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss other ways to support this project, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
Or call us at: 912-756-3697.
With gratitude,
The Richmond Hill Historical Society
mail a check to:
Richmond Hill Historical Society & Museum
P. O. Box 381
Richmond Hill
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss other ways to support this project, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
Or call us at: 912-756-3697.
With gratitude,
The Richmond Hill Historical Society