Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did the Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project start?
The Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project in Natick Massachusetts has been in existence since 1998, when Natick’s only Pearl Harbor survivor, Eugene Dugdale, approached the library with concerns that many World War II veterans were passing away without telling their stories. Thus, the project began. (See About the Project)
In 2000 the United States Congress created the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, whose purpose is to collect oral history interviews, memoirs, letters, diaries, photographs, and other original materials from veterans and from those civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts. The Morse Institute Library has partnered with the Library of Congress in this project; however, we do not send our interviews to the Library of Congress, as they are housed and available to the public at the Morse Institute Library. Additional information about the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress can be obtained from the website at: www.loc.gov/folklife/vets.
Is the Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project only collecting oral histories?
Yes! Staff and volunteers interview veterans from Massachusetts and those who supported them, as well as veterans of foreign armed forces. These stories are recorded with a video camera and made available on DVD. Some of the initial interviews are also available on video. Print items such as photos and service documents can be incorporated in the interview. These items can be scanned for the Project's collection and the original returned, if requested.
Will my name appear on the Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project online database?
Yes! However, after you have been interviewed, please allow the library staff time to properly preserve, house, and catalog the materials (presently about 2 to 4 months from the time of the interview). Information contained in the database is based on the participants’ own recollections of their service history.
Does the Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project verify the stories it receives?
The Morse Institute Library does not verify the accuracy of these accounts. The oral histories are expressions of the views, memories and opinions of the interviewees. They do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Morse Institute Library. The DVDs are made available to the public with the consent of the interviewees.
What information is made public in Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project online database?
The only information that will appear in the online database is name, branch of service, specific war or conflict, and a brief overview of the veteran’s interview. When available, photographs are also included on the web site.
I’m not a military veteran, but I contributed to the war effort as a civilian. Do you want my story?
Yes! The Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project invites Massachusetts residents who served from the home front as well as from the battlefield to be interviewed. Any veteran or civilian who was actively involved in supporting war efforts such as the following has a story in which we are interested.
- Industry workers (e.g.: “Rosie the Riveter”)
- USO workers
- Flight instructors
- Medical volunteers
- Members of foreign armed forces
How can I be interviewed?
If you are a Massachusetts resident and would like to be interviewed at the Morse Institute Library in Natick, Massachusetts, you can contact Joan Craig at 508-647-6524 or by email at veterans@morsinstitute.org.
Here is a sample of the questions we would use in an interview.
If you reside outside of Massachusetts and would like to be interviewed, you can view the Library of Congress website at www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/partners. Insert the state in which you live to locate an organization that has partnered with the Library of Congress. You can then contact that organization for further instructions.
Is there a deadline for interviewing and/or submitting materials to the Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project?
The Morse Institute Library will make every effort to obtain the funding to continue this Project. Due to limited resources and space, the Project only includes materials from individuals who interview with the Morse Institute Library.
I don’t live in Massachusetts, but would like to contribute my story and materials. How is this done?
You can view the Library of Congress website at www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/partners and insert the state in which you live to locate an organization that has partnered with the Library of Congress. You can then contact that organization for further instructions.
I would like to interview a family member from my home. How do you suggest this be done?
Home interviews can be conducted with a good quality audio cassette player or with a video camera. The interview should be done in a quiet area, with no disruption. You can download the questions from this site to use for the interview. You should talk to the interviewee beforehand about what will be discussed in the interview and be sure the interviewee is comfortable with the project.
What does the Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project not collect?
The Project greatly values and appreciates veterans’ stories from additional service arenas and the interviews will be processed as resources allow. The Project doesn’t collect 3-dimensional artifacts, such as medals, canteens, dog tags, helmets, uniforms. Photographs and print items for those being interviewed may be added to the Natick Veterans Oral History Project web site and the library's local history collection.
Will my collection be digitized online?
Resources do not allow for the collection to be digitized online at this time.
Is the Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project only interested in World War II?
No! The mission of the Veterans Oral History Project is to capture on DVD, as well as house, catalog and index the recollections of men and women who have served their country in the armed forces. In addition, we will tape those who have helped on the home front during World War II (i.e.: border or light patrollers, factory workers).
How can I borrow a copy of an interview or a collection?
To borrow a DVD or other material, go to the Minuteman Library Network online catalog at www.mln.lib.ma.us. This catalog includes Morse Institute's collection of veterans oral history DVDs and thousands of titles of military interest. They may be borrowed directly from the Morse Institute Library in Natick or requested for delivery to your public library using the Inter-library loan network. Check with your public library for more information.
If you wish to obtain and keep a copy or copies of the interviews, the Morse Institute Library will be glad to make a copy for you. Unfortunately, resources do not permit us to make gratis copies. There is a charge of $20.00 per DVD, which covers copying, shipping and handling. Checks should be made payable to Morse Institute Library, with a notation that it is for the Veterans Oral History Project. The library, with permission from the veteran, retains the copyright on the material.
I live in Massachusetts and have made a recording of my history as a veteran. Can I send this to you?
Unfortunately, due to limited space, we are unable to accept recordings from veterans who have not been interviewed by Morse Institute Library. However, you can contact the Library of Congress at www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/partners and insert the state of Massachusetts to locate an organization that has partnered with the Library of Congress. You can then contact that organization for further instructions.
What war memorials are available in the community for viewing?
The library houses three veterans’ memorials. First, the foyer of the original library houses the World War I Peace Memorial. The Peace Memorial is a beautiful, quiet area with stained glass windows and bronze engravings. Second, most of Natick veterans from World War II, Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War are listed on bronze plaques on the exterior of the library building arcade. Third, on Memorial Day 2007, the Natick Veterans Council installed a memorial bench in honor of all of the Natick women who have served in the armed forces. The Natick Common is the site of the Civil War memorial and nearby on Route 27, is Moran Park, a lovely garden memorial. There are also a number of memorial bridges located throughout the community.
How can I interview a family member or a friend from home?
We suggest that you use a good quality audio cassette or an easy to use video camera in a comfortable area of your home. You have our permission to use our sample questions from this web site. There are also numerous oral history sites on the Internet. You can find more examples at the Library of Congress website at www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/partners.
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