An oral history project to explore and share the experiences of U.S. military personnel. Military experience is often viewed as the experience of the branch of service “Army” or the collective group “troops." This project is focused on sharing the individual stories of the men and women who have worn the uniform. During each interview, project participants discuss their motivations for enlisting in the military, their experience serving in the military, and (if applicable) their transition from the military to the civilian community. Together, these interviews form a living history that makes clearer the motivations, experiences, rewards, and costs. (Modeled on the Lehigh University’s Veterans Empathy Project).
Veterans, military service members
Costs could range from $500-$5000. There are grants available for this type of project. Costs include oral history mentor fee, publishing fees, materials, equipment (microphone, recording device), and hosting platform. Grant sources: National Endowment for the Humanities. (Sample Budget template provided below)
Library should identify the Kick Off date for program and then work 6 months back for planning. For example, if the kick off date (for the viewing/presentation of your community's veterans' oral stories) is Memorial Day, then planning (for identifying, recording, production to publishing and presentation preparation) should begin 6 months prior (or start in October, so that your library can be prepared to announce your upcoming project and put out a call for volunteers on Veteran's Day).
Your library should identify a kick off date for the program and then work 6+ months back for planning. For example, if the kick off date is Memorial Day, then planning should begin 6 months prior to account for identifying former personnel, recording, production to publishing and the final presentation. If you start preliminary planning in early autumn, you can publicize a call for individuals who are able to share their stories during November for National Veterans and Military Families month (and any Veterans Day programming you may be planning).
See "Cultural Competencies: Best Practice for Librarians Serving Veterans, Active Military and Military Families," for Library personnel training. (Refer to the Radical Empathy and Cultural Humility Checklist file provided below)
Work with local historical societies, museums, and universities with similar programming so as not to reinvent the wheel. Similarly, work with VFWs, American Legions, and other military organizations to identify potential participants. Once the oral histories are ready to go, launch with a special event, reception, and if possible arrange for the veteran to recite selections from the oral history.
Success is best measured by participation; sustainable partnerships; and inclusion of oral histories into library digital holdings. (Sample Evaluation template included)
Dawn La Valle, Connecticut State Library
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LG-12-19-0114).
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.