Introduction to the United Methodist Stories Oral History Application
The United Methodist Stories web app, developed by GCAH, is a dedicated platform aimed at capturing and preserving the oral histories of individuals within the United Methodist Church. Accessible exclusively via mobile devices (phones or tablets), this innovative tool allows users to record, review, and submit their personal stories and experiences, contributing to the rich tapestry of the church’s history. As this application is in a phase of active development, users may occasionally encounter bugs. In such cases, assistance is readily available through Kevin Dusenberry, GCAH’s Digital Archivist, at kdusenberry@gcah.org.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Load the Application: Start by visiting the web app at https://umstories.gcah.org on your mobile device. A welcome screen will introduce you to the app.
- Initiate the Process: Tap the ‘Record Now’ button to proceed from the welcome screen to the information collection form.
- Fill Out the Form: Complete the required fields with your name, email, rank within the denomination, and your church/organization details including its zip code. Agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, then submit the form to move forward.
- Allow Microphone Access: A prompt will request access to your device’s microphone. Please allow it to enable recording capabilities.
- Record Your Story: Press the ‘Record’ button to start capturing your oral history. A countdown will help you monitor the duration of your recording.
- Finish Recording: Once you’ve concluded your story, tap ‘Stop’ to cease recording.
- Review Your Recording: An audio player will appear, allowing you to listen to your recording. This step ensures you are satisfied with the content before submission.
- Submit or Delete: If content with your recording, click ‘Submit’ to send it to GCAH for archiving. A copy will also download to your device. For lengthy recordings, the download may take some time. If you decide against submitting, select ‘Delete’ to remove the recording permanently.
- Complete the Process: After submission or deletion, the app will refresh, bringing you back to the start screen, ready for another story if you wish to share more.
Step-by-Step Guide
Remember, your contributions to this digital archive play a vital role in preserving the heritage and spiritual journey of the United Methodist Church for future generations. Your participation in this project not only enriches the community’s collective memory but also ensures that your voice and experiences are captured in the annals of our denomination.
