The purpose of this paper is to discuss the advantages of combining place-as-text curriculum with an oral history collection to act as catalysts for transformational learning. These experiential and service learning practices complement each other to enrich the encounters students are afforded. First, the nature and procedures of place-as-text and oral history collection as learning tools is summarized in the context of a travel-away course, followed by suggestions for best practices for doing oral histories with college students or adult learners. Then, experiences of college students who have participated in this model are summarized.