By MEREDITH PERKS
Regional Director for Senator Joe Donnelly

The office of Senator Joe Donnelly, along with the staff of Wynnfield Crossing, will be be hosting an event to record veteran’s oral histories for inclusion in the Veterans History Project archives at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

The event will take place from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at Wynnfield Crossing, located at 1729 Wabash Ave., Rochester.

The Veterans History Project was created in the year 2000 to collect, preserve and make available the personal stories of American veterans. These oral histories are kept in the permanent collections of the Library of Congress, one of the world’s most respected research and cultural institutions.

Scholars, students, authors, filmmakers and history buffs can access the collection to hear individual accounts of soldiers’ service. These personal accounts allow us to hear directly from those who protected our freedoms, and better understand the realities military service.

• If you’re a veteran of any branch of the United States Military and served at any time, please join us to share and record your story. You will talk through your experiences with an interviewer, and your recording must last a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Bring any photos,letters or other memorabilia you would like to share. If you’d like the Library of Congress to archive them with your oral history, please note that they only accept originals.
• If you have a family member or friend you think would like to participate, invite them and offer to interview them as part of this special opportunity. Recorders and field kits will be provided at the event. All you need to do is join us!
• If you want to show your appreciation for our veterans’ service, volunteer to interview and record a veteran’s story during this event. You’ll receive instructions on site, as well as all the materials you will need to complete the interview.

RSVP For this event by emailing Brian Cavanaugh at [email protected]v or call (317) 226-5555. He will schedule an appointment for you and confirm your attendance, and can answer any questions.