History Comes Alive with Library's Veterans Project

Local veterans are invited to share their stories through live interviews at the Schaumburg Township District Library via the "Veterans History Project," coordinated by STDL Genealogist Tony Kierna. The first video is available to watch on YouTube under "Veterans History Project" at www.youtube.com/user/STDLvideos. The video can also be found on the library's website at SchaumburgLibrary.org/services/genealogy by clicking on the "Veterans History Project" photo.

During his 40-minute interview, Vietnam Veteran Neil O'Brien gives an overview of his service experiences in the U.S. Air Force from his first day in 1964 to his last in 1968, including year-long deployment in Vietnam. Guided by questions from Kierna, O'Brien provides anecdotes and shares stories that bring history to life.

The Library is looking for more local veterans who would like to share stories of their service. This initiative of the Library of Congress' American Folklife Center collects, preserves and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Veterans interested in telling their stories or anyone who knows a veteran who may be interested can contact Kierna at akierna@stdl.org.

In addition to creating the "Veterans History Project," Kierna leads a free genealogy gathering each month at the library. Participants listen to guest speakers during some meetings, and other times work in breakout groups. Additionally, he authors a genealogy blog which touches on a wide variety of genealogical topics at http://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com.

For information on other upcoming library resources and programs, see the library's Guide, which is mailed to Schaumburg Township residents and available online at www.SchaumburgLibrary.org.