The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History (WHOI) Project began in 1998 to record the recollections and personal insights of the scientists and staff of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Under the auspices of the Data Library and Archives, the project endeavors to include the entire spectrum of the WHOI community, scientists and engineers, support staff ashore and afloat, and collaborators from other organizations such as the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and United States Geological Survey (USGS). Since its inception in 1930, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has grown from what some had called a summer camp for scientists to a unique, multi-disciplined, internationally recognized giant in the world of ocean sciences. World famous not only to the international scientific community but to the average citizen who is thrilled by the many documentaries, books, and articles featuring the men, women, research, and technology that form the backbone of the institution. WHOI represents a unique group of innovative scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff with the common purpose of gathering, interpreting, and communicating an understanding of the ocean.