Historical Research Methods is a social studies course offered at Allegany High School in Cumberland, MD. For each of the past seven years, students enrolled in the course have published an oral history book. Systematically documenting important event, people, and places has been a key element in the program that records the experiences of Allegany County residents

Preserving memories of the past and sharing knowledge of our history with future generations is the primary goal of this work. Our efforts to capture the experiences of  those who lived through different time periods is done through the oral history process. Student involvement in the oral history process has proven beneficial on many levels. It promotes interdisciplinary activities, requires primary research, generates intergenerational dialogue, and creates a sense of history and community that is invaluable to the educational process of all individuals involved

Generous financial support for Allegany High School Social Studies Students was provided by Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 172, Cumberland Maryland, the Foundation for Education in Rural Maryland, Biederlack of America Corporation, MeadeWestvaco Corporation, Advertising Art Design Inc. and the Allegany High School Academic Endowment Fund.