Library of Congress to Host Veterans Oral History Project Workshop in Jerome

JEROME, Idaho – On Saturday, March 14, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 3001, in conjunction with Senator Crapo’s Twin Falls Office, will host a workshop with the Library of Congress to teach techniques and strategies to those interested in gathering veterans’ oral stories.  The Veterans History Project (VHP) collects and preserves veterans’ histories and makes them available to the public “so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.” 

“My staff and I have submitted a number of interviews and materials over the years to document the heroism and patriotism of several Idaho veterans to the Library of Congress’ project,” said Senator Crapo.  “It has been a distinct honor to hear their stories and ensure that their service to our country is valued and cherished for generations to come.” 

Veterans History Project Workshop:

• WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time

A light lunch will be provided.  Anyone interested should RSVP to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary President, Amanda Bolich, at abolich310@gmail.com.

• WHERE: Summit Elementary School

                          200 10^th Ave W

                          Jerome, ID 83338

• WHAT: Learn how to record veterans’ oral histories, the sorts of formats and materials accepted by the Library of Congress, and how individuals can access the interviews and materials after they have been submitted. 

BACKGROUND:

Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2000.  Idaho veterans and their families have provided 1,498 collections for the VHP so far.  The personal service accounts of Idaho veterans and veterans nationwide can be viewed on the Veterans History Project website, at www.loc.gov/vets/.  The VHP can be searched for the accounts of veterans of certain wars and from specific states, including those from Idaho veterans.  In addition to archiving this important part of our nation’s history for all Americans, the collections have been used for museum exhibits, academic papers, news articles and more.  The Veterans History Project website contains guidelines for conducting interviews and submitting stories to the project.  Veterans’ unedited audio or video-recorded interviews, photographs, letters, diaries, journals, military documents, two-dimensional artwork, maps and unpublished memoirs that pertain to the service of U.S. military veterans are among the materials accepted to the VHP.  

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