Capturing Lived Experiences.
Civil servants and federal contractors have long played a crucial role in keeping the U.S. government running and serving the American public. Beginning in January 2025, federal employees and contractors across the United States have experienced profound and rapid changes. Federal agencies have faced widespread disruptions. Tens of thousands of civil servants have been laid off, and numerous government contracts have been canceled. These changes have impacted individuals, families, communities, and the delivery of public services.
In response, the Federal Employees and Contractors Oral History Project (FECOHP) was launched in March 2025 by the Organization of American Historians (OAH). Directed by an experienced oral historian and former federal historian, with support from the Volcker Alliance, the project seeks to capture this pivotal moment through the voices of those who lived it.
FECOHP will collect oral histories from federal employees and contractors affected by these sweeping changes. By preserving these firsthand accounts, the project aims to build a permanent archive of 300 to 500 stories over a three-year period. These interviews will serve as a vital resource for historians, policymakers, educators, and the public—offering insight into the essential work conducted by the federal workforce and how their efforts have strengthened the nation.
Our Mission
FECOHP exists to:
- Preserve the lived experiences of federal employees and contractors
- Capture the institutional knowledge at risk of being lost
- Highlight underrepresented perspectives within the federal workforce
- Provide context and insight into the vital role of public service in American life
By elevating these stories, FECOHP contributes to a more complete and inclusive understanding of the federal workforce and this important moment in U.S. history
Info about Oral Histories
Tell Your Story
Interested in sharing your story? Please fill out this quick pre-interview questionnaire and a member of the OAH oral history team will reach out to schedule your interview.
Thank you and for your service to the American people.
