Veterans History Project

Atlanta History Center records, preserves, and makes accessible the stories of men and women who did serve as well as the civilians who supported them. Their stories allow future generations to hear directly from those who lived through our nation’s conflicts to better appreciate the realities and the sacrifices of war.

E. E. McKennon pauses her welding work on a ship at the J.A. Jones Construction Company shipyard in May, 1943.

The Veterans History Project oral history collection contains video and audio interviews of those who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Global War on Terror, and civilians who supported them.

Black soldiers have served this country since the Revolutionary War and their stories are vital in creating a more complete, more accurate picture of America’s past.

Oral histories are memories that people share about the past. Ever since humans developed language, parents passed down family and community history to their children orally—with the spoken word—rather than by writing alone.

We collect, preserve, and share veterans’ accounts so future generations can hear directly and better appreciate the realities of war and the sacrifices made.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces landed in German-occupied France in the largest amphibious invasion. More than 75 years later we listen to their stories and remember.

This Memorial Day we honor our veterans by hearing from Col. Robert Certain, who bravely fought during the Vietnam War.