Martha J. Ross

Martha Jackson Ross (July 18, 1923 April 5, 2013) was a leading voice in the field of oral history. She conducted oral histories and educated students and peers on best practices and techniques. Ross was the president of the Oral History Association and a founding member and president of the Oral History Association of the Mid-Atlantic Region (OHMAR).

Early life and education Ross was born in Selma, Alabama. She graduated from Selma High School in 1941.

Ross attended Montevallo College for Women. Ross wrote for the school newspaper and was an editor of the yearbook.

In 1976, Ross co-founded the Oral History Association of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Ross served as president of OHMAR from 1978-1979. Ross was also a mentor and an influence to her students, many of whom are regarded voices in the field now.

Personal life Ross met her husband Dr. Donald M. Ross in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where they both were working on the Manhattan Project.

The Martha Ross Teaching Award was established by the Oral History Association in 2001 in Ross’ honor for her major contributions and impact on the field.

Archival collections

Olch, Peter (September 15, 1982). "Peter Olch Interview 9/15/1982 -- Draft Transcript" (Interview). Interviewed by Martha Ross. Baylor University Libraries. Wasserman, Manfred (September 22, 1984). "Manfred Wasserman Interview 9/22/1984 -- Draft Transcript" (Interview). Interviewed by Martha Ross. Baylor University Libraries. Greenbelt Oral History Project collection at the University of Maryland libraries 16.1.1.1895, Ross, Martha (oral historian): Manuscript, oral history transcript copy with Martha Ross by Mary Jo Deering, February 13, 1974, 2/13/1794-2/13/1974, item: 1895. Maryland Manuscripts collection, 0047-MDHC. Special Collections and University Archives. https://archives.lib.umd.edu//repositories/2/archival_objects/324874 Accessed October 22, 2020. UMBC Oral History collection at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery Oral History Association Records, 1958-2015 (bulk 1970-1999) at the University of North Texas

Other resources

Lanman, B. A., & University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Martha Ross Center for Oral History. (2009). Baltimore county : celebrating a legacy 1659-2009. Martha Ross Center for Oral History at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. https://umaryland.on.worldcat.org/oclc/320250416