As part of the UCF History Harvest team, we supported the Apopka Museum this weekend by collaborating with the community to gather photos, memorabilia, objects, and stories. We scanned these materials to create a digital archive that preserves their history, which will be publicly accessible. Additionally, we conducted oral histories, and the recordings will be transcribed and included in the digital archive.

This was my first visit to the Museum of Apopkans! Ms. Boykin, a prominent member of the Apopka community, shared a wealth of information. It’s fascinating—each person who shares an oral history is like a book with a unique story waiting to be told. You can be amazed at what you learn when you create space for people to share their lived experiences.

The Apopka History Harvest was the first event of this kind that I've attended. I believe the concept of working closely with a community to preserve their history while gaining experience in a museum setting was invaluable for me. I’d love to see something similar in the town of Eustis. My main interest was in helping with oral histories because I will eventually conduct oral histories with the Black Yoga Teacher Alliance. It was great to get involved in the oral history portion of the History Harvest.

The first oral history I conducted was with an older gentleman whose name I cannot remember. He had a lot of insight into marching band history in the Central Florida area. He was formerly the band director at Lakeview High School back in the 70s and 80s. He thought no one would care about what he was explaining, but I assured him that we did. I even shared how I participated in marching band all four years of high school and was the color guard captain my senior year. I also told him that Apopka High School was where I had my first audition for Drum Corps International! He immediately recognized what that was and felt more inspired to share even more.

Although his story was a bit long, he was so reflective that I didn’t want to interrupt him. It was also interesting to see my professors in action outside of a classroom setting. I took plenty of pictures and some videos. I’m not sure why, but I enjoy taking candid photos of people when they’re not necessarily looking; I feel like I capture their essence better when they’re not posed.