Every school and university has a story to tell, but it’s the voices of those who lived it that truly bring history to life. From the first-day jitters to lockdown memories and everything in between, oral history captures the emotion, personality and depth often missing from written records. In this guide, we explore how schools and universities can collect and preserve spoken memories from alumni, staff and students, creating powerful, living archives that engage communities and inspire future generations.

Planning a 50th, 100th, or even 150th anniversary? This article is packed with creative and practical ideas to help you celebrate in ways that are meaningful, engaging, and built to last.

From digital archives and alumni storytelling to immersive virtual tours and legacy campaigns, discover how to turn your next big milestone into a celebration with lasting impact.

A school anniversary isn’t just about marking a milestone, it’s an opportunity to bring your community together through shared memories. Beyond speeches and reunions, the most powerful way to celebrate is by capturing the voices of your students and alumni.

Their stories of first days, unforgettable teachers, and life-changing moments, turn history into something deeply personal and lasting.

With tools like SocialArchive, you can easily collect, organise, and showcase these memories, ensuring your anniversary becomes a legacy for future generations.

When an alumnus shares a memory - whether it’s about a favourite teacher, a school assembly, or a life-changing moment, you’re hearing a piece of your institution’s living history. But what happens to that memory after it’s shared?

Capturing alumni recollections through oral and video histories transforms these fleeting moments into enduring records. Unlike static records, oral and video histories bring emotions, expressions, and personality to life creating a unique way for your community to engage with the past.

In this article, we discuss the transformative power of collecting these histories, the role they play in strengthening alumni bonds, and how platforms like SocialArchive make it easier than ever to collect and share these invaluable narratives.