Veterans History Project
Preserve a Story. Honor a Life. Record Local History.
Every veteran has a story worth remembering.
United Way of the Lakeshore is proud to help preserve the voices and experiences of veterans across our community through the Veterans History Project. In partnership with the Veterans History Project and the Library of Congress, this effort ensures that the stories of those who served are recorded, respected, and remembered for generations to come.
Explore Voices of Service: Lakeshore Veterans Archive
Before sharing your own story or volunteering, we invite you to experience the voices of veterans right here in our community.
Voices of Service: Lakeshore Veterans Archive is a growing collection of recorded interviews, stories, and memories from veterans across the lakeshore. Through this archive, we are preserving not just moments in history, but the lived experiences of those who served.
Watch Stories of Service:
Explore recorded interviews with local veterans through our Veterans History Project playlist. Each story offers a firsthand look at service, sacrifice, and life beyond the uniform.
Explore the Full Archive
Dive deeper into the Voices of Service: Lakeshore Veterans Archive, including:
Full-length interview recordings
Photos and shared memorabilia
Supporting documents and personal reflections (when available)
This archive includes both:
Veterans whose interviews were submitted to the Library of Congress
Veterans whose stories are preserved locally through United Way
Because we believe every story deserves to be remembered.
Get Involved!
What Is the Veterans History Project?
The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American veterans so future generations can hear directly from those who served and better understand the realities of military service.
These stories are recorded through first-hand interviews using tablets, laptops, or smartphones. Interviews may also include the stories of Gold Star Family members, including a parent, spouse, sibling, or child of a service member who died as a result of service during a period of war.
How United Way of the Lakeshore Is Involved:
United Way of the Lakeshore helps connect local veterans and families with trained volunteers who can guide them through the interview process.
Our role includes:
Coordinating trained volunteers
Providing onboarding and interview training
Scheduling and matching veterans with volunteers
Assisting with required forms and documentation
Supporting submissions to the Library of Congress when applicable
Preserving stories through the Voices of Service: Lakeshore Veterans Archive
This ensures our community is contributing to a national effort while also building a meaningful local legacy.
Who Can Participate?
Veterans & Gold Star Families
Veterans and eligible family members are invited to share their stories. A United Way representative will help guide you through the process and match you with a trained volunteer.
Share Your Story
We would be honored to help preserve your story.
What to Expect:
Complete the registration form
A United Way representative will contact you to learn your availability
We will match you with a trained volunteer
Attend your scheduled interview (bring photos or memorabilia if you'd like)
Your story will be preserved and, if eligible, submitted to the Library of Congress
Become a Volunteer
Volunteers are at the heart of this work.
As a trained volunteer, you will:
Help veterans complete forms and documentation
Conduct or assist with interviews
Record stories using provided equipment
Help preserve and honor local history
After You Register:
Schedule and complete a training
Join our volunteer list for upcoming opportunities
Sign up for interviews based on your availability
Participate in scheduled recording opportunities or conduct independent interviews
Growing Voices of Service
United Way of the Lakeshore is continuing to grow the Voices of Service: Lakeshore Veterans Archive and expand opportunities for veterans and volunteers to participate.
As more trained volunteers join this effort, we look forward to increasing access and creating additional opportunities for our community to preserve and share these important stories.
Interested in Partnering?
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with community organizations, veteran groups, and partners who want to help expand this work.