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You can help a veteran share his/her story with future generations!

Adams on leaveWhat is the Veterans History Project?

The Veterans History Project, a project of the Library of Veterans History ProjectCongress, is a national volunteer effort focused on preserving veterans’ war stories. They rely on a national network of organizations andindividuals to record those interviews and submit them to the permanent collections of the Library of Congress.

Stories can be told through personal narratives (audio or video-taped interviews, written memoirs), correspondence (letters, postcards), and visual materials (photos, drawings, scrapbook items, etc.)

Their primary focus is on first-hand accounts of U.S. Veterans.

In addition, those U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories.

The Veterans History Project is made possible by the generous support of the United States Congress.

Interview Tips

Interview Tips

Conduct your veteran interview like a pro. PBS' THE WAR director Ken Burns suggests 7 tips to a successful interview.

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Ken Burns' Seven Tips to a Successful Interview

You don't have to be a professional interviewer to do an interview for the Veterans History Project. The project values all contributors and they want you to know this is not a complicated process. With merely some time to listen, a good microphone and a cassette recorder, you can make a veteran a part of history.

As you are interviewing a veteran of any war, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Pick an appropriate location for the interview. Be sure you choose a place for the interview that has good natural light. Near a window is preferable to outside and one that is free of extraneous noise. The human ear can filter out unwanted sounds but not so the microphone. Be aware of street noise, barking dogs and turn off cell and home phones.

2. Establish a comfort zone. Help the veteran feel relaxed and as comfortable as possible. If you can, conduct the interview in surroundings familiar to him or her.

3. Do your research. Thoughtful research before the interview will help your work immensely. Get to know the person you will interview and the events he or she will speak about. If possible, have the veteran fill out the biographical data form and give it to you before you move to record the interview.

4. Practice good listening skills. Careful listening is critical to this process. Let the interview be guided by the veteran. the best way to know what question to ask next is to follow up on what the veteran just said. Follow up questions are necessary to enrich the story.

5. Be patient. Don't put the veteran on the spot about dates and places. Many times particular battles were not given names until long after the events occurred. It is more important to record their personal recollections than specifics.

6. Be respectful. If the veteran becomes emotional, have tissues on hand and let them compose themselves. Pause the recording if you need to. But remember to press record again when the veteran is ready. Never record someone secretly or without their consent.

7. Be a quiet listener. A good interview happens when the interviewer says the least and the interview subject says the most. Hold in your natural inclination to add comments and respond by nodding your head or making affirmative eye contact. I can tell you that having someone share their story with you is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.

Thank you for making your contribution to the story of our country.

-Ken Burns
Director & Producer, THE WAR

[PDF file of Seven Interview Tips]

 

HOW TO GET STARTED:

bulletI'd like to help a veteran or civilian submit their story to the VHP. How do I begin?

Maryland has several organizations that partner with the VHP. Find a partner in your area and ask them to assist you. LIST OF MARYLAND VHP PARTNERS

Visit the VHP website which has a wealth of information on how to interview veterans:
FIVE EASY STEPS TO PARTICIPATE

bulletI am a veteran and would like to find out how to submit my story.

Contact a VHP partner in your area and ask for assistance.
LIST OF MARYLAND VHP PARTNERS

bulletMy organization would like to find out how to become a VHP partner.

ABOUT BECOMING A PARTNER

bulletCan students get involved?

Yes! The Library of Congress encourages students (grades 10-12 are best) to participate in the veteran interview process. Read here how teens are assisting with interviews at the College Park Aviation Museum.

 

MPT Partners for the MD Generations: THE WAR Project
Frederick County Veterans History Project, Inc.
The Maryland Room, Frederick County Public Libraries
Office of Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest
Library of Congress Veteran's History Project