February 8, 2002
Press Contact: Craig D'Ooge, Library of Congress (202) 707-9189
Public Contact: Veterans History Project (888) 371-5848

Veterans History Project Seeks African-American Veteran Histories

The Veterans History Project is a project of the Library of Congress through its American Folklife Center to collect and preserve oral histories and documentary materials from veterans of World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Wars. The project was created by Congress in legislation (P.L. 106-380) sponsored by Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel, and Representatives Ron Kind, Amo Houghton, and Steny Hoyer. The legislation passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate. AARP is the founding private sector sponsor of the project.

To learn more about the project and to see a listing of more than 150 Official Partners and the members of its Five-Star Council, visit www.loc.gov/vets/.

Especially during African-American History Month, individuals, family members, veterans, civic groups and organizations are invited to interview African-American veterans by contacting the Veterans History Project, where staff will provide guidance to ensure that an audio or video interview be made and preserved at the Library of Congress as part of the permanent record of our nation's history.

Noting that "the service and sacrifice of our war veterans is the bulwark of our freedoms," James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress, stated that "the record of their service must be preserved for future generations."

The American Folklife Center is asking that those who would like to participate call the toll-free message line (888-371-5848) to request a kit leaving their names and mailing addresses or contact the Veterans History Project by email at vohp@loc.gov.

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