Local Hero Interview

Students will:

• Learn how to conduct and document an oral history interview.
• Identify and describe diverse community contributions within New Mexico.
• Practice research, questioning, and note-taking skills.
• Reflect on how storytelling connects individual experiences to history.

• Who are the heroes in our communities today?
• Why is it important to record and share their stories?
• What can we learn about history through personal experience?
• How do local voices help us understand the larger story of New Mexico?

1. Discuss local diversity:
   Review the many cultural communities that have shaped New Mexico — from early Indigenous peoples to more recent groups such as Buffalo Soldiers, post–WWII European immigrants, and Asian and Pacific Islander families who arrived in the 20th century.
2. Choose a hero:
   Encourage students to select a local hero from the present or recent past — veterans, Indigenous leaders, founders, cultural figures, scientists, first responders, or community helpers.
3. Prepare interview questions:
   Use resources like “Top 10 Questions to Ask a Local Hero.”
4. Conduct the interview:
   Obtain permission, record (if appropriate), or take notes during the conversation.
5. Write and share:
   Summarize the interview in writing and present findings through a short essay, poster, or digital presentation.
6. Send a thank-you note:
   Encourage students to write or email their interviewee to express gratitude for sharing their story.

• Review oral history interviewing techniques before starting.
• Model respectful listening and question-asking.
• Remind students that heroes come from all backgrounds and walks of life.
• If possible, invite a local librarian or historian to speak about researching local heroes.

This activity supports the NM250 Storytelling: New Mexico’s Contribution initiative, highlighting the power of personal stories to connect generations. Schools may connect these interviews to a Storytelling Assembly or share excerpts using the #MyNMStory hashtag.

Learn more:

• National Storytelling Network – Storytelling in Education
• New Mexico Arts – Folk & Traditional Arts Program
• Smithsonian Folklife – Oral Traditions and Cultural Heritage
• New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program

• Voices from the Fields: Children of Migrant Farmworkers Tell Their Stories by S. Beth Atkin, grades 4-8
• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, grades 5-12
• Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan grades 4-7
• We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, grades 1-2
• The Hero Next Door (anthology edited by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich), grades 3-7
• Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young, grades 7-12
• Mexikid by Pedro Martin, grades 5-9 

Encourage students to interview a family member or elder about an important memory or tradition. They can write a short paragraph or draw a picture showing what they learned about their family’s story.

These resources support the NM250 Storytelling: New Mexico’s Contribution initiative, encouraging students to explore oral history, celebrate New Mexico’s community voices, and honor local heroes whose stories shape our shared history.

If students record interviews digitally, remind them to obtain permission before recording or sharing audio/video and to save their files in a safe, accessible location.