Using Oral Histories at the National WWII Museum

Abstract

This article examines the development of the oral history collection at the National WWII Museum and how that collection is used in the permanent exhibits and other programming to support the museum's mission to tell the American story of why the war was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. It details the collection's beginnings under the late Dr. Stephen Ambrose, challenges in the collecting process, and policies and processes that the Research Department of the museum uses today to expand the collection (now holding more than 9,000 personal accounts). The article also discusses use of these oral histories as the museum seeks to add value to its oral history collection through online publishing, inclusion in permanent exhibits, and their use as support in future initiatives and other programming.