Oral Histories

The Northern District Historical Society has been collecting the oral histories of judges to gain insight on their significant contributions. The project’s purpose is to create an archive of primary data so that future generations will be able to study how—and by whom—governing decisions were made.

Accessing the Collection

The Northern District Historical Society retains the copyright on all transcripts, audio tapes and videos created under its oral history project, subject to the terms of each oral history agreement between the interviewee and the Northern District Historical Society. Where the particular oral histories is available online, the link for accessing the oral history is provided. Where no link has been provided, access to the transcripts, audio tapes or videos can be arranged by contacting the Northern District’s Librarian Susan Wong Caulder at (415) 436-8130, or [email protected], to make an appointment to read, listen or watch the oral history at the Northern District’s library.

Using the Collection

If you plan to use any portion of an oral history transcript, audio tape or video in a published work or commercial production, you must secure the Northern District Historical Society’s permission in writing to cite, quote or excerpt it. To do so, please submit the pages of the manuscript or portion of the work in which the interview is quoted or excerpted as well as at least the three preceding and following pages or other material necessary to provide sufficient context. The Northern District Historical Society will advise in writing if permission is granted. This procedure may take several business days or more. Citation must include the name of the work (for example, “Transcript of Oral History Interview of United States Circuit Judge ________”), the date of the interview, and the fact that the work was published or produced by the Norther District Historical Society (and/or collaborating institutions, when applicable, such as the Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society). For commercial productions, please also write the Northern District Historical Society describing your project and the words or excerpts you wish to use. Any use beyond the standards of “fair use” may require a fee. To submit use requests or to obtain further information, please contact the Northern District Historical Society at [email protected].

The Oral Histories Collection