The Voices of the Past Speak to the Future Veterans Oral History Project is an intergenerational, interdisciplinary program to train students in proper oral history methodology, guide the students as they conduct background research, pair students with Veterans to collect and record their stories, and assist the students as they prepare the interviews for preservation in an appropriate historical archive.

PARTNERSHIPS:  The Army Heritage Center Foundation partners with the Cumberland Valley School District and the Silver Spring Veterans Memorial Committee to execute the program.  The Foundation provides training and support for the disposition of the interview products, Cumberland Valley recruits and manages the students, and the Silver Spring Veteran’s Memorial Committee serves as liaison to the Veterans.

STUDENTS:  The program is open to students in high school.  Approximately 30 students are currently participating in the pilot program.

VETERANS:  The program is currently open to Veterans from all branches of service who served during World War II, Korea, or Vietnam.

TRAINING:  Students attend a day-long training session at the US Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA.  The training, led by professional historians, includes classes on the proper methods of conducting oral history interviews, archival and library research methodology, and an overview of Veterans’ issues.  Students meet with Veterans, attend classes in recreated World War II barracks, eat military rations in a World War II chow hall, and tour the Army Heritage Trail.

BENEFITS:  Many of the Veterans involved in the program have never discussed their experiences.  This program provides them an opportunity to tell their stories and have them preserved for future generations.  Students are able to learn about history from the individual participants while developing valuable research and workplace skills.  This program helps build communities and increases the public’s awareness of the contributions Veterans have made to the history of our Nation and the world.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT:  The Foundation is currently seeking to expand the program.  Teachers, Veterans, or Veterans’ groups interested in participating should contact the Army Heritage Center Foundation by phone at 717-258-1102 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Army Veterans who would like to preserve their stories may also complete an appropriate Veteran's Survey available from the US Army Heritage and Education Center.

Click here to be directed to the surveys.