As the Veterans History Project celebrates 25 years, Col. Bob Patrick, U.S. Army (Ret.), reflects on a decade of growth, outreach and unexpected treasures. From working with Ken Burns to preserving veterans’ stories and personal artifacts, he shares how VHP became a national archive capturing the voices, memories and experiences of America’s veterans. More than history on a page, these stories capture the experiences of those who lived it.
Depending on its form, chocolate has served many roles for members of the military: a comforting treat or drink, a token of friendship, a form of currency and, in some cases, the difference between life and death. This post explores veterans’ memories of eating and drinking chocolate during wartime, as documented in Veterans History Project collections.
What are your goals for 2026? Are you looking to deepen your community connections through oral history? Interested in expanding your portfolio of humanities skills and professional networks? On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project provides community and professional development opportunities through “The Open Door.” This public program includes two …
A World War I scrapbook recently acquired by the Veterans History Project includes rare and fascinating photos of World War I aviation and aviators—including Teddy Roosevelt’s son Quentin Roosevelt, who was shot down over France in 1918. Read all about how the scrapbook illustrates the history of the 95th Aero Squadron.
What does it take to build a national archive from the ground up? In this installment of our 25th anniversary series, we hear from the Veterans History Project’s first director whose leadership helped turn a powerful idea into a lasting tribute to veterans' voices.
