The article deals with the usability of memories of socialism in historical research. The relationship between the past and the present in the memories is emphasized. Memories or oral sources are a valuable material for studying socialism as they offer perspectives that written materials do not. At the same time, this kind of material is constantly subject to change, forgetting or even falsifying. Memories of experiences are recalled from the past, whereas the present provides the values and standards through which the memories become actualised. With the collapse of Yugoslavia and socialism, the meaning of certain experiences has changed; this has influenced the memories too. Memories are additionally influenced by an individual's family history, the environment come from, their social and economic position, their political conviction and general worldview, and various public discourses.