The Heart of Marine Park:
Oral Histories from the Neighborhood

In 2026, Marine Park will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and the Hendrick I. Lott House is launching an Oral History Project to capture and preserve the memories and experiences of the community. 

This project invites local residents, long-time visitors, and anyone with strong connections to the area to share their personal stories about Marine Park and the Lott House. 

The stories collected will be an important resource for future generations, offering a unique look at the park’s history and the people who have lived and worked nearby. These oral histories will be displayed in an exhibit at the Hendrick I. Lott House and also stored digitally for the public to access, ensuring that the history of Marine Park and the surrounding community is preserved for years to come.

Digital Oral History Collection: The memories of residents, Lott family members, and long-time park visitors will be recorded and stored digitally, creating a lasting record of Marine Park's history and cultural impact.

With this project, the Hendrick I. Lott House hopes to preserve the rich history of Marine Park and offer the community a chance to connect with its past. By capturing the voices of those who have helped shape the park and its neighborhoods, this project will keep the story of Marine Park alive for future generations.

What is Oral History?

Oral history is the practice of recording and preserving people's personal stories and experiences through spoken words. This can include interviews with older generations or people who have lived through important events. It’s important because it helps us learn about history from a personal perspective, showing how ordinary people lived and what they felt during different times. Oral history gives us a deeper understanding of the past that we might not find in books or official records.

Stay tuned for our upcoming Oral History Guide: A complete guide for conducting oral histories will be available in Spring 2025, providing helpful tools for those interested in preserving their own stories or contributing to the program.

What is Oral History