Veterans History Project

# Veterans History Project The Veterans History Project (VHP), created by Congress in 2000 as part of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, collects and preserves firsthand accounts of US military veterans so future generations can hear directly from those who served. Volunteers - explicitly including students age 15 or older - conduct recorded oral-history interviews with veterans in their families and communities and submit them, along with original photographs, letters, and other materials, for permanent archiving at the Library. ## What You'll Do - Choose a veteran to interview - a relative, neighbor, or a participant found through veterans service organizations - Prepare using VHP's field kit and best-practices guidance for oral history - Record an unedited audio or video interview and gather any original photos, correspondence, or memoirs the veteran wishes to donate - Complete the required forms and submit the collection to the Library of Congress ## Who Should Apply Per the Library, 'Any individual or organization may participate, including... students age 15 or older' (Gold Star collection participants must be 18). It is a strong fit for students interested in history, journalism, or service who want a self-paced project with a permanent public result. Participation is year-round with no application or deadline. ## Outcomes Your interview becomes part of a congressionally chartered national archive, citable by name in the Library's collections - a rare, concrete contribution for a high school volunteer - while you build real interviewing, recording, and archival documentation skills.