25 Years of Stories: Reflections from the First Director of the Veterans History Project

As the Veterans History Project celebrates its 25th anniversary, we reflect on the extraordinary collection of narratives and artifacts that have been entrusted to us over the years. These stories, told through interviews, letters, photographs and personal mementos, form a powerful record of military service and sacrifice across generations.

To honor this milestone, we are sharing a 25-part blog series highlighting the voices of veterans, the individuals who shaped and sustained the Project and the deep impact these stories continue to have on families, researchers and communities nationwide.

This post features a Q&A with the Veterans History Project’s first director, Ellen McCulloch-Lovell, whose vision and dedication helped lay the groundwork for a national archive that honors and preserves veterans’ lived experiences.

We invite you to follow the full series here and join us in celebrating the legacy and future of this important work.

1. What was your vision for the Veterans History Project?

As the first director, I was fortunate to help shape the Veterans History Project from the beginning. My initial tools were the authorizing legislation, an office in the John Adams Building and the encouragement of Winston Tabb, former associate librarian for library services, who recruited me after my service in the Clinton administration. 

My inspiration came from my father and other World War II veterans who had never told their stories. Often, no one had asked, or the memories were too painful, or they simply wanted to move on with life. I know that Rep. Ron Kind, who spearheaded the legislation, was inspired by his own connection to Korean War veterans. We were losing those voices at an alarming rate, so collecting their firsthand accounts felt urgent and essential. 

As we built the foundation for the Project and began reaching out to veterans of 21st century conflicts, we found that many Vietnam-era veterans were especially reluctant to share their stories. 

My vision was to collect these accounts in a way that was inclusive and accessible. We needed to design a system for family members, teachers, students and others to conduct interviews and document experiences. We also embraced a broad definition of what a story could be, including letters, photo albums, diaries and cassette tapes sent home during deployments. 

Part of the vision included giving the project a visual identity, developing a website, creating tools for collection and digitization, identifying public spokespeople and engaging with the media. 

 

2. How did congressional support contribute to the success of VHP during your leadership?

The founding legislation provided authorization but no appropriation. We started with only a small team and a determination to make the Project succeed. I “borrowed” staff from the American Folklife Center and across the Library of Congress. A folklorist and a member of the photography division were first, followed by archivists and digitization specialists once materials began to arrive. 

Building support in Congress was essential. With Librarian of Congress Jim Billington’s support, I established the Five Star Council, an advisory group launched by the Librarian of Congress and composed of members of Congress who had served in wartime. Leaders like Bob Dole, Daniel Inouye, Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel played a key role. Rep. Kind and his staff remained actively involved. 

Their advocacy, along with internal support at the Library, led to the first appropriations. That funding helped us grow quickly and effectively. 

 

 

3. What was the biggest hurdle you faced as director, and how did you overcome it?

We faced many hurdles: no appropriation, no staff, no visual identity, no collection methodology. Each challenge had to be overcome. 

The strength of the Project’s mission helped generate support, along with interest from Congressional and community leaders. We formed an early partnership with AARP, whose generosity and outreach proved invaluable. The expertise of Library staff was also essential.  

Another major milestone was our collaboration with the Oral History Association, which helped us develop a field guide that trained everyday people to become interviewers. This toolkit empowered family members, veterans organizations and friends to participate and spread the word. 

Navigating the complexities of the Library of Congress required mentorship, and I’m grateful to the colleagues who guided me along the way. Peggy Bulger, Diane Kresh, Jo Ann Jenkins, Jill Brett and others were always there for support and advice. 

One moment stands out. A local veteran took the Metro to deliver notebooks filled with wartime correspondence between him and his wife. He had carefully preserved both sides of their exchange as a tribute to her after her recent death. After he presented them, Sarah Rouse, one of our earliest staff members, turned to me and asked, “Is this going to be one of those jobs where you cry every day?” I nodded and said “Yes.” Receiving such intimate memories – letters, photographs, recordings – was deeply emotional work. 

 

4.  Are there any innovative programs or initiatives introduced during your tenure of which you are especially proud?

Innovation was key to everything we did. Creating a strong visual identity, developing a clear project structure and building consistent outreach to volunteers, veterans and the media were all essential. 

Each Memorial Day and Veterans Day, we found that journalists were searching for stories. We invited them in to explore the growing collection. That visibility helped raise awareness and support for the Project, allowing it to grow and reach new audiences. 

The Veterans History Project began with a simple but urgent idea: every veteran’s story matters and preserving those stories is a shared responsibility. What started with a small team and borrowed resources has grown into a national archive shaped by the dedication of staff, volunteers and the veterans and families who entrusted us with their memories. 

This post is part of our 25th anniversary series honoring the visionaries, the storytellers and the communities that have made this project possible. 

We invite you to join us:
• Follow the blog 
• Follow us on Facebook
• Explore the full collection on the Veterans History Project homepage. 

Together, we ensure these voices are heard, honored and remembered for generations to come.