The Paine House was the setting for a workshop for members of the Northfield Historical Society who plan to participate in a project to record the memories of our living treasures. Amanda Kuhnert of Fourfold Legacy Services led the workshop. She specializes in recording and preserving the personal stories of individuals, families or groups.

An oral history is the telling of stories to be used to help younger generations better understand the lives and the world that came before them. Children need to learn about the privations of the Depression years, the experience of a oneroom school education, what it was like to live on a farm before television and many other life experiences that older Northfield residents experienced. An oral history can record these everyday happenings for future generations.

It is the responsibility of the Northfield Historical Society to record and preserve as much of the past as is possible. At one time there were many granite sheds in Northfield. It is important to learn about the granite industry from some of the many workers who are still living in Northfield before their memories are lost to us. Life-review interviews will give voice to individuals who have memories to share.

The Northfield Historical Society has recently been given a gift that will finance the project. This training is the first step in planning the best way to proceed. When the committee is prepared they will be asking local citizens to share their stories.