Southern Narratives of War: Atlanta Branch Veterans’ History Project

• In Event: Including Students in Oral History Projects: Preserving Black History for Another Century

Abstract

This presentation will share the progress of the Atlanta Branch of ASALH Veterans’ History Project (VHP). It will focus on pedagogy for youth in this oral history project from its inception to publishing papers, planning exhibitions, and presenting public programs. The mission of the VHP is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American wartime veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. ASALH has endorsed the Library of Congress American Folklife Center’s VHP to assist in making sure African-American voices will be amply represented in the history of American wars. Veterans in any capacity, regardless of branch or rank, are represented. They share issues of race, gender, and sexuality along with stories of accomplishment and many African American firsts in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Original memoirs, letters, diaries, and other written materials, as well as photography, are required parts of the collection and each come with unique challenges. Of particular interest to the Atlanta Branch is assembling these southern narratives of war.

Author

• Candy Tate, Emory University