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Veterans urged to tell stories

Group to collect oral histories during KHS ' Military Treasures' exhibitions

November 16, 2009

FRANKFORT — If you are an active duty member of the military, a veteran, a National Guardsman, a reservist or a civilian who has a story about the home front , the Kentucky Oral History Commission wants to hear your story.

The KOHC, administered by the Kentucky Historical Society , invites veterans and others with military- related stories to preserve their piece of history. Participants can visit the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort to interview with trained KHS volunteers. Interviews will be recorded and take about one hour. Participants will be sent a CD of their interview and will receive free admission for that day for the entire KHS history campus, which includes the Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal.

The KOHC is soliciting these personal accounts as part of a new KHS exhibition, 'Kentucky Military Treasures: Selections from the Kentucky Historical Society Collections.' The exhibition tells the stories of Kentuckians who fought in battles spanning nearly 200 years and includes significant artifacts from conflicts ranging from the War of 1812 to more recent engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The exhibition is on display in the Keeneland Changing Exhibits Gallery at the Center for Kentucky History. It was made possible by generous support from the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation, Martin F. Schmidt, Tawani Foundation and the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs.

'By documenting the oral history of our state's military story, we can more intentionally add all levels of experience to the record of official history,' said Sarah Milligan, program administrator for the KOHC. 'The 'Kentucky Military Treasures' exhibition is so interesting because it tells the story of the people behind the artifacts and lends a voice, literally with the use of oral history, to the historical record. By sharing the audio of these interviews we can hear the emotion and better understand the reality of what it means to be in or associated with the United States Military. '

The KOHC invites anyone with a military-related story to participate, especially individuals with experience in recent or current conflicts.

'We want the military collection to truly represent all Kentuckians' experiences in the military,' said Milligan. 'We welcome all stories, but especially need to hear the stories of veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and current wars and engagements, and the stories of women and minorities.'

The KOHC is a program that has provided for the collection of more than 25,000 oral history interviews, including the stories of tenant farmers, political leaders and nationally acclaimed authors. The commission also offers grant opportunities, workshops, sponsors state conferences and participates in projects with other agencies and institutions.

To make an appointment to share your story, call (502) 564-1792, ext. 4434.

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