Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American wartime veterans so that future generations have direct access to the veteran experience, and in the future better understand the realities of war.

Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000. The collection is run by the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, one of the world’s most respected research and cultural institutions.

As a primary source, researchers, scholars and educators rely upon these veteran collections. These oral histories, photographs, manuscripts and other original materials are a rich supplement to historical texts and a valued cultural resource. Veterans’ family members treasure the memories that are permanently preserved at the Library of Congress for future generations.

In its 16th year, the project now has more than 100,000 veterans who have participated, yet only 1,228 are from Washington state.

As the proud representative of more than 80,000 veterans, Congressman Denny Heck would like to change that. Rep. Heck, his staff, and volunteers will be available to interview wartime veterans throughout the year to capture more Washington stories.

You need no prior training or connection with the veteran or military community to participate. Constituents of all backgrounds are welcome.

How can you get involved?

• Sit down with a veteran and conduct a video- or audio-recorded interview about his or her military service.
• Submit a collection of original photographs or documents that tell the veteran’s story from his or her perspective, even if the veteran is deceased or unable to share an oral history.
• Contact a veteran you know and ask if they would share their story for the historical record.

Sign up using the form  below to get involved.

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