John Hughes, the state’s Chief Oral Historian for the Legacy Project, talks about getting to know Washington’s remarkably judicious judge Robert F. Utter — and why you should read his new oral history.

Q. There are tons of fascinating Washingtonians. Why did you pick Robert F. Utter to be the subject of the Legacy Project’s latest oral history?

The Legacy Project’s charter is to compile oral histories of former members of the executive branch – governors, lieutenant governors, secretaries of state, etc. – plus former members of Congress, former members of the judiciary and other citizens from all walks of life who have made extraordinary contributions to the political life of our state. Bob Utter was one of the youngest Supreme Court justices in state history, and his resignation in 1995 to protest the death penalty made headlines nationwide. Since then, he has developed an international reputation as a mentor to judges in emerging democracies. He’s a sailboat racer, a pilot and a man of deep faith.

Q. While you were interviewing him, did you learn anything that surprised you?

He told me that deep down, despite all of his accomplishments in public life, he is fundamentally shy and insecure. It stems from the tragic death of his mother, who died giving birth when he was five years old.

Q. What was your favorite moment during your interviews with Justice Utter?

His story about the first time he was captain of a sailboat during a race from Victoria to Maui. One morning he was at the wheel, facing towering waves, scared spitless, so he decided to sing Sunday School hymns he thought he had long since forgotten at the top of his lungs.

Q. Tell me about the process of writing an oral history: How do you get to the final product?

The oral history “writes” itself. But it requires a lot of research to prepare a “script” to keep the project on course and jog a person’s memory. We all forget dates and circumstances, and if you’re dealing with a judge, you have to have read key cases to be able to ask relevant questions. I feel like I’m ready for the LSAT’s! Each oral history in the Legacy Project also features a biography. That’s the big challenge and the fun part all rolled into one, as you develop a narrative and pluck key episodes and quotes from the oral history to tell a person’s life story.

Q. What types of people will be interested in reading these oral histories… and what can they expect when visiting the Legacy Project site?

All types of people! Young, old and in between. We’ve been at this project for only seven months, but we already have fascinating diversity. For instance, there’s Krist Novoselic, the Nirvana bassist who is now an enthusiastic Granger and civic activist; then there’s Charles Z. Smith, the first ethnic minority on the State Supreme Court. He was Robert F. Kennedy’s lead prosecutor in building the case against Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa. Coming soon is former first lady Nancy Evans, who saved the Governor’s Mansion. Readers will find hundreds of photos, video and other links that bring these stories to life. Students and history fans of all ages will find our site both entertaining and educational.

For more information about the Legacy Project team, read this feature in the May edition of FTE magazine.

All oral histories are available at www.secstate.wa.gov/legacyproject/