How to Make Your Veteran's Story Part of the Library of Congress
The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress hosts the U.S. Veterans History Project (VHP), which collects and archives stories of veterans and the civilian workers who supported them. These narratives and materials honor wartime participants, help inspire those who want to serve their country, and provide research material for scholars. Authorized by Congress in 2000, the VHP accepts donations from living and deceased veterans and civilian workers involved in World War I and World War II; the wars in Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf; and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Things You'll Need
- VHP Field Kit
- High-quality digital audio or video equipment
- Standard-size audio cassettes or compact discs
- External microphone
- Copies of the interview
- Copies of materials
- Packaging for donation
Instructions
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How to Participate in the Project
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Visit the VHP or familiarize yourself by going to the Library of Congress website.
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Download the VHP Field Kit, which contains the essential information for participation. You can also request the printed field kit by phone at 202-707-4916 or by email at vohp@loc.gov. The field kit guides you step-by-step through the process, including information on what the VHP collects, the items they can and cannot accept, how to prepare for the interview, the equipment you will need, how to conduct the interview, how and where to send your donation, what happens to your donation and the required forms. The field kit provides helpful advice for first-time interviewers and has a suggested outline for the interview.
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Research your subject. If you plan to interview a veteran or civilian wartime participant, talk with them about what to record. Collect research materials. Read about their particular war, battles, aircraft or other relevant information.
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Interview the veteran or civilian worker. Make copies for the person interviewed and for yourself.
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Make copies of materials you plan to send, for example, letters, maps, and diaries.
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Fill out the forms in the Field Kit. This includes the required Biographical Data Form, Veteran's Release Form, Interviewer's Release Form, and Audio and Video Recording Log. If appropriate, also complete the Photograph Log and Manuscript Data Sheet.
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Register with the VHP. It is not mandatory to register with the VHP, but registering helps to speed up the processing of your donation.
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Send to:
Veterans History Project
Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20540
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Tips & Warnings
Check the VHP Field Kit for the type and quantity of materials they accept and those they cannot accept, such as uniforms and weapons.
For additional help on conducting interviews, see the Free Management Library website.
Use a commercial delivery service, such as UPS or Federal Express. The U.S. Postal Service has security screening processes that could destroy the tapes and materials.
References
Resources
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