Though the term “veteran” is often uttered in the same breath as “war,” many U.S. veterans served during times of peace. This includes more than 10,000 men and women in the Veterans History Project archive who served during the period known as the Cold War era.

Entirely comprised of military volunteers, the online exhibit speaks to the motivations of veterans who served during an era of escalating international tensions. Trained to fight a Soviet threat, their narratives invariably give voice to conflicts derived from their ancestry, gender, and opposition to traditional warfighting techniques.

Share this link  and if you know any Cold War veterans, collect their stories for the Library of Congress: 

http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/ex-war-coldwar.html

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

How will you commemorate the Veterans Day centennial?

On Saturday, November 10^th, the Library's Poetry and Literature Center, Veterans History Project, and Exhibits Office invite you to participate in the “The Road Back,” a daylong symposium on veterans’ literature & writing.

Beginning at 10AM, the Library invites you and the veterans in your life to a tour of Echoes of the Great War: American Experiences of World War I and WWI cart display before attending the 11:00AM panel discussion, “Veterans and Literary Writing,” which explores the meaningful coping mechanisms afforded through journaling.

A 1:30PM afternoon panel will feature poetry and literature readings from poet veterans Bruce Weigl, Bill Jones, and David Richmond, as well as cowboy poet Vess Quinlan, who will discuss their favorite World War I writers, share selections of their work, and participate in a discussion moderated by Anya Creightney, Programs Manager of the Poetry and Literature Center.

Concluding the symposium will be a 3:00-4:30PM screening of the 1937 American drama war film, The Road Back, directed by James Whale and based on the novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque.  The film is a sequel to All Quiet on the Western Front and follows German soldiers from the Armistice through their return home as they adjust to civilian life, learning that Germany and their personal lives have changed tremendously while they were gone.

The event is free and open to the public, but due to expected demand, tickets are recommended, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.   You can RSVP for your seat at Eventbrite.com  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-road-back-veterans-and-literary-writing-symposium-tickets-48886963223 or request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or ada@loc.gov.

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

Want to know more about conducting research using VHP collections? Curious about our World War I diary holdings? Interested in firsthand accounts of combat from Vietnam veterans? Want to know how to research your relative’s military unit? Join us for a 90-minute presentation by VHP Reference Specialist Megan Harris on Saturday, Nov. 17^th in room LJ-139B of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building. Sign up for the 1000-1130 orientation on Eventbrite.

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

This Veterans Day, learn from veterans of the past – by helping the researchers of tomorrow.

The Library of Congress holds many collections that touch on the lives and service of military personnel; and the human cost of war. Although American Civil War materials fall outside the scope of the Veterans History Project, we encourage you to hone your transcription skills using wartime correspondence. The recently launched crowdsourcing project, crowd.loc.gov/, contains three collections relating to the Civil War: letters written to Abraham Lincoln, the diaries of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, and the papers of disabled veterans' advocate William Oland Bourne (1819-1901), a reformer, poet, clergyman, and editor of the Soldiers Friend journal. 

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

VHP shares in the remembrances of Dr. James Billington, who amongst his vast legacy also welcomed Congress’ enactment of the “Veterans Oral History Project.” Responding to legislators’ directive to the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, Billington proffered that “these histories will be an invaluable resource for future generations and will become part of the nation's vast historical record that the Library of Congress has preserved for 200 years."

A champion of the Project, and a veteran himself of the United States Army, Billington leveraged his military service as a VHP interviewer, expanding the Library’s collections to include oral histories with Lieutenant General Julius Becton, Jr., General Andrew J. Goodpaster, Captain John W. Kluge, and Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson nee Milligan.

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

Join VHP in our remembrance of World War II veteran Richard Overton, formerly, the oldest World War II veteran in the United States. His decorated career ranged from aftermath of the Attack on Pearl Harbor through intense ground combat on the island of Iwo Jima. Our hearts go out to his family and our utmost thanks go to Corporal Overton for his service to our country.

Through the voluntary efforts of the American Red Cross of Central Texas, we are lucky enough to have an oral history interview from this American hero, and you can watch it at https://go.usa.gov/xEYj5

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) is asking all LC staff and the general public to help them select images for their new bookmarks. Go to Folklife Today to view 10 images pulled from the VHP collection. Then tell VHP which one you love most either in the blog’s comments section, by email at vohp@loc.gov or in person in room LJ-G51 from now until March 1. VHP will reveal the chosen images on March 15.

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

In her story (herstory), Jean Ashby placed herself and other Navy WAVES into the historical record. Learn more about Ashby's secret encoding work on the VHP Blog and at the Veterans History Project "Code Girls Reunion" broadcast live at 1200 ET on Friday, March 22, 2019. 

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

Thank you to everyone who answered our call to participate in the Veterans History Project’s bookmark image selection! We are pleased to announce the top five images.

See the results, ranked in order of popularity, on the VHP Blog!

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

"What did you do in the war, mommy?"

VHP commemorated WAVES' wartime contributions with a "Code Girl’s Reunion." This past weekend, NBCs “Sunday Today with Willie Geist” aired a story about this historic event, and interviewed a few of these living legends. If you missed it, you can watch it, here.

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

On Tuesday, April 9, the Great Hall, all exhibitions, and the Library Shop in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress will be closed for a special event, including the VHP Information Center.

Researchers with Library-issued credentials may access the Jefferson Building reading rooms, including the American Folklife Center Reading Room, as they will be open normal hours of service with access via the Southeast (2^nd Street) entrance from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. All reading rooms and exhibitions in the Madison and Adams buildings will operate under normal hours of service.

The Jefferson building will resume regular hours on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

The Honorable Richard Lugar passed away last night, leaving behind a legacy of both lawmaking and local history. Through the efforts of his Senate Office, nearly 9,000 Indianan veterans’ voices were recorded and preserved – a capstone achievement accessible through the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP).

Years after leaving office, Lugar returned to the mission of the Veterans History Project, this time, offering his oral history of Cold War naval service. As have many VHP participants, he shared his story with a close friend, the Honorable Joe Donnelly.

The mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of U.S. veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

From November 5-9^th, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) will host a Veteran Art Showcase. This series of cultural events highlights art and artists with a focus on the myriad experiences of military veterans. The five-day Showcase begins a yearlong commemoration of VHP’s 20^th anniversary, and will be held in the Library of Congress Jefferson Building, located at 10 First Street SE, Washington, DC. The schedule is as follows:

Tues., Nov. 5

Craft in America: Ceramic Demonstration, 9 am- 3:30pm -LJG-51

Ceramic artists Matthew Krousey, Judas Recendez, and Ehren Tool participate in a clay throwing demonstration. While throwing, Tool will engage in conversation on the experience of service and war. He will share his pieces with military connected audience members.

Tues., Nov. 5

Craft in America: Veteran Potters Panel Discussion, 5 pm- Whitall Pavilion

Artists Judas Recendez, Matthew Krousey, and Ehren Tool will discuss their ceramic art and process in relation to their military service.  The panel will be moderated by Carol Sauvion, creator and co-executive producer of the PBS series Craft in America.

Weds., Nov. 6

Occupational Poetry, 1pm- Room LJ-119

Poets Bill Jones, (veteran poet)  Vess Quinlan (cowboy poet), Jerry Brooks (miner poet), and Meezie Hermansen (fisher poet) recite some of their work related to their profession, and participate in a panel discussion. The panel will be moderated by John Fenn, Head of Research and Programs at the American Folklife Center.

Thurs. Nov. 7

Combat Paper, 11 am- Whitall Pavilion

Veterans and civilians discuss the process and experience of paper-making and printmaking as a creative outlet in a panel featuring Tara Tappert, Drew Matott, Ruth Lynne McIntosh, and Patrick Sargent.  The panel will be moderated by Katherine Blood, Curator of Fine Prints at the Prints and Library’s Photographs Division.

The Telling Project, 7pm- Great Hall

An autobiographical performance of “She Went to War,” featuring four female veterans, all of whom experienced significant combat exposure while serving in the military.

Sat. Nov. 9

Operation Song and Jamie Fox Perform Live, 7pm- Coolidge Auditorium

Tennessee-based not-for-profit program “Operation Song” performs a selection of songs written by and about veterans, active duty service members and their loved ones. Jamie Fox, an Air Force veteran and Metis fiddler of the Aaniih and Nakoda tribes performs tunes that were derived from a mixture of Celtic, French, and Native American cultures.

The Veteran Art Showcase is free of charge, and open to the public; however, due to expected demand, tickets are recommended and available on a first –come, first served basis. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/library-of-congress-11132539071 or VHP’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vetshistoryproject.

Request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or ada@loc.gov.

Click here for more information.

The Library of Congress American Folklife Center (AFC) recently announced two paid internship opportunities. For 10 weeks, interns will be immersed in the environment and activities of the American Folklife Center, which pairs robust cultural programming with the world's largest ethnographic archive.

Applications for the Bartis Folklife Internship will be considered until March 28, 2018. This fellowship is named for - and supported by - the generosity of Dr. Peter Bartis, the longest serving AFC employee. From 2001 – 2008, his expertise and unique vision established VHP as one of the largest oral history projects in the world. His collegiality defined the character, spirit, and intersections of AFC and VHP.

The Mission of the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Learn more at http://www.loc.gov/vets. Share your exciting VHP initiatives, programs, events and news stories with VHP to be considered for a future RSS. Email vohp@loc.gov and place “My VHP RSS Story” in the subject line.

Visit VHP on Facebook.

Click here for more information.

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