Making History Project – Veteran Oral History Preserving Veterans’ Stories
After a very busy and eventful summer with the American Heartland Tour, the Making History Project is making some big changes this fall. The changes being made are the natural result of the progress and reception received to the American Heartland Tour.
Intern Editing Team
As part of an ongoing partnership with Governors State University, the Making History Project is working with its first team of student interns. The student interns will be diligently editing and archiving the oral history interviews conducted thus far.
The student interns are from the film school at Governors State University with one undergraduate and three graduate students. We are ecstatic to have the opportunity to have these talented students contribute to the project, and cannot wait to see their creativity, energy, and ideas. Stay tuned for an additional announcement as to the team and a proper introduction to each of the individual students.
New Board Member
Additionally, the Making History Project will be adding French author and historian, Dominique Francois, to the Board of Directors. Dominique resides in Normandy, France, and is deeply interested and involved in World War II history, more particularly as it relates to D-Day and the liberation of France.
To this end, we can say that the Making History Project has now crossed the Atlantic and has a connection with France for this important project. We look forward to Dominique’s contributions and willingness to share his articles and interviews on the website.
Fundraising Plans
Finally, as we look to expand our efforts, our next focus will be on fundraising to continue the good work for bringing public awareness to Veterans’ issues. Public awareness is being fostered through the archiving of the Veteran oral history interviews with the U.S. Library of Congress, the University of Florida Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, and the Making History Project’s own website and YouTube channel.
Those efforts however do not stop with the archiving process, as we will be active in conducting public presentations and exhibits that highlight the service and sacrifice of Veterans. In that regard, special attention is being paid to the hidden injury of combat trauma and its impact on the increase in military suicides.
As an officially registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, we have already set up affiliations with Bright Funds, Guidestar, and the Network for Good, for our future fundraising efforts. This is a new exciting chapter for the Making History Project as it looks to make an ongoing positive impact.
We encourage anyone interested in this project to reach out to us. No contribution, in terms of time, ideas, or expertise is too small. This is a great time to get on board as we grow. Likewise, anyone who is willing to share connections to groups, organizations, or corporations that may wish to contribute or sponsor these efforts is appreciated. As you know, it often takes a village to make difference.
