Veteran History Project
Hosted by the Library of Congress in partnership with BC Media. Veterans are invited to record and preserve their stories for future generations — in person, or from wherever you're sitting right now.
Scan below to Register
Scan the QR code or visit DecisionReadinessHub.com/VHP to reserve a recording time.
Before you register
Straight answers to the questions most veterans ask before sitting down to record.
Audio-only is completely acceptable. The Library of Congress accepts both audio- and video-recorded interviews for the official archive, so if you'd rather not be on camera, that's not a barrier to participating.
None, if you record at The Studio — the microphones, cameras, and setup are already there. If you record remotely, a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone is enough; we'll walk you through the connection ahead of time.
Most interviews run 30 to 60 minutes. The Library of Congress requires a minimum of 30 minutes for an interview to qualify for the archive, and BC Media typically records 25–35 minute conversations — so plan for about an hour including setup, and we'll never rush you through it.
Your copy from BC Media is typically ready within a few weeks of recording. Submission to the official Library of Congress archive follows their standard processing timeline, since every collection is reviewed before it's added — so the national archive listing can take longer than your personal copy.
No. There is no cost to you to participate, record, or submit your story to the Veterans History Project.
No, this is an unpaid, volunteer-based oral history program — that's true nationally for VHP, not just here. What you're contributing is your story for the historical record, not a paid engagement.
Yes. You'll receive your own copy to share however you'd like, and the Veteran's Release Form you sign is built so you keep your rights to your own story — the Library of Congress gains permission to preserve and present it, but it does not take your copyright away from you.
Some collections are also featured publicly on loc.gov; you'll always know in advance whether yours is one of them.
If you served honorably in any branch, at any rank, in any era from World War I forward — combat or not — you're eligible. The program also accepts the accounts of civilians who directly supported war efforts.
It's the division of the Library of Congress, established by Congress in 1976, that documents and preserves American cultural and oral history. The Veterans History Project operates under their authority, which is why your recording becomes a permanent part of the nation's collection rather than a local-only archive.
Have a question that isn't covered here? Read the Library of Congress's own Veterans History Project overview or the American Folklife Center research center page, or just ask us directly when you register.
Every other week
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 0930–1130, for in-person recording at The Studio.
At “The Studio”
19209 US-41 #200, Lutz, FL 33549
Who's eligible
All veterans with an honorable discharge, and a story to share.
Bring someone
A spouse, child, or grandchild is welcome to sit in or even ask the questions.
Reserve your recording time
Tell us a little about yourself and when works best. This helps BC Media manage scheduling, production, and intake so your time is ready when you arrive — in person or online.
Your story belongs in the record.
Choose in-person or remote when you register — there's no wrong way to participate, and no cost either way.
Scan or visit
DecisionReadinessHub.com/VHP
Prefer to call?
(813) 421-9249