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Ask a Librarian: Veterans History Project

We provide answers to queries regarding participation in the Veterans History Project and in the use of veterans' collections. We will respond to your question within 5 business days.

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The following questions and answers are those most frequently asked of the Veterans History Project. They are grouped by the following topics: Background, Participation, Collection Requirements, Submitting Materials, Research and Access, Existing Collections, and General Information.

Background

What is the Veterans History Project?
Last Updated: Jun 08, 2022 |
Topics:
- Background
|
Views: 2243
What is an oral history?
Last Updated: Jun 09, 2022 |
Topics:
- Background
|
Views: 776
How did the Veterans History Project start?
Last Updated: Jun 09, 2022 |
Topics:
- Background
|
Views: 585
Who retains copyright of donated collections?
Last Updated: Jun 09, 2022 |
Topics:
- Background
|
Views: 970
What is the Gold Star Families Voices Act?
Last Updated: Oct 27, 2022 |
Topics:
- Background
|
Views: 976

Participation

How do I start the process of submitting a collection to the Veterans History Project?
Last Updated: Oct 27, 2022 |
Topics:
- Participation
|
Views: 2421
How do I locate veterans to interview?
Last Updated: Oct 27, 2022 |
Topics:
- Participation
|
Views: 883
Who is eligible to submit their service story to the Veterans History Project?
Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022 |
Topics:
- Participation
|
Views: 1483
Who conducts the interview?
Last Updated: Jun 09, 2022 |
Topics:
- Participation
|
Views: 834
Is there someone in my area who could interview me?

I am a veteran, and would like to submit an oral history interview to the Veterans History Project.
Last Updated: Jun 09, 2022 |
Topics:
- Participation
|
Views: 658
Can I share the story of a deceased veteran?
Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022 |
Topics:
- Participation
|
Views: 933
How can Scout Troops participate in the Veterans History Project?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Participation
|
Views: 459
Is there a deadline for participating in, or submitting materials to, the Veterans History Project?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Participation
|
Views: 593

Collection Requirements

What comprises a Veterans History Project collection?
Last Updated: Nov 22, 2022 |
Topics:
- Participation
|
Views: 1340
Can I submit multiples veterans collections on the same storage media?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Collection Requirements
|
Views: 386
Why do you require original materials vs. copies?
Last Updated: Jun 09, 2022 |
Topics:
- Collection Requirements
|
Views: 527
Can I submit digital (electronic) versions of documents and photos?
Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022 |
Topics:
- Collection Requirements
|
Views: 659
My photos were taken on a digital camera. Can I submit those in a digital format?
Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022 |
Topics:
- Collection Requirements
|
Views: 377
Does the Veterans History Project accept email collections?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Collection Requirements
|
Views: 298
Can I record an interview using the camera or audio apps on my smartphone or tablet?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Collection Requirements
|
Views: 612
Does the Veterans History Project require transcripts?
Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022 |
Topics:
- Collection Requirements
|
Views: 356

Submitting Materials

How do I submit materials to the Veterans History Project?
Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022 |
Topics:
- Submitting Materials
|
Views: 877
Will the Veterans History Project provide courtesy copies of my collection materials after I submit them?
Last Updated: Nov 01, 2022 |
Topics:
- Submitting Materials
|
Views: 337
Am I allowed to submit my interview to another repository, such as a local historical society?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Submitting Materials
|
Views: 333
What if I forgot to include something? Can I add to an existing collection?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Submitting Materials
|
Views: 320
What paperwork does the Veterans History Project require, and why?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Submitting Materials
|
Views: 442
Am I required to provide my race or other demographical information?
Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022 |
Topics:
- Submitting Materials
|
Views: 233
What happens if my submission does not meet the minimum requirements?
Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022 |
Topics:
- Submitting Materials
|
Views: 261
How do I safeguard private or classified information?
Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022 |
Topics:
- Submitting Materials
|
Views: 384
How long will it take for my collection to appear online?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Submitting Materials
|
Views: 477

Research and Access

How are Veterans History Project collections used?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- Research and Access
|
Views: 372
How can I access Veterans History Project collections?
Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022 |
Topics:
- Research and Access
|
Views: 1125
How does the Veterans History Project determine which collection materials will be viewable online?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- Research and Access
|
Views: 301
What information is made public in the Veterans History Project online collection?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- Research and Access
|
Views: 281
What information is made available to onsite researchers for undigitized collection materials?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- Research and Access
|
Views: 335
Can Veterans History Project collection materials be used in publications or in exhibitions outside the Library of Congress?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- Research and Access
|
Views: 442

Existing Collections

What does AFC2001/001 stand for?

What is an American Folklife Center collection accession number?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Existing Collections
|
Views: 368
I found an error. What should I do?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- Existing Collections
|
Views: 294
I can’t find my biographical information online. What happened?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
- Existing Collections
|
Views: 285
How do I download digitized collection materials?
Last Updated: Aug 23, 2024 |
Topics:
|
Views: 402

General Information

Can I obtain my military service records or get information about my medals and decorations from the Veterans History Project?
Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022 |
Topics:
- General Information
|
Views: 608
Does the Veterans History Project verify the stories it receives?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- General Information
|
Views: 524
I served with one of the veterans listed in the Veterans History Project Collection. How can I get in touch?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- General Information
|
Views: 212
Can I visit the Veterans History Project?
Last Updated: Nov 20, 2024 |
Topics:
- General Information
|
Views: 391
Does the Veterans History Project accept financial contributions?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- General Information
|
Views: 265
How do I find out about Veterans History Project events and initiatives?
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022 |
Topics:
- General Information
|
Views: 309

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Veterans History Project

Visit our website to learn more about our collections and services.

Field Kit and Participation Forms

A participant may be a veteran, an interviewer, or person donating a veteran’s collection.

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Veterans History Project Blog

Read VHP-focused posts on the larger American Folklife Center blog.

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Please Note

We cannot provide service records for veterans (contact the National Archives); advice on veteran benefits (contact the Department of Veterans Affairs).

For general information on military history, contact our general reference librarians.

Additional Ways to Contact Us

Send written correspondence to:

Veterans History Project
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20540

(202) 707-4916

(202) 252-2046 (fax)

vohp@loc.gov