NYS Veterans Oral History Program

The Justice Fisher Project honors those who have fallen by preserving their memories and stories. But the history of those still with us is just as vital — and it is still being written.

Through the New York State Veterans Oral History Program, we are extending that mission to the veterans who are still here. Their experiences, memories, and voices are an irreplaceable part of our community's heritage — and they deserve to be preserved alongside the stories of those who came before them.

What Is an Oral History Interview?

An oral history interview is a recorded conversation — typically 30 to 90 minutes — in which a veteran shares their experiences in their own words. These recordings are professionally preserved and archived at the NYS Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs, where they are made available to families, researchers, schools, and the public.

For many veterans, the act of sharing their story is itself meaningful — a chance to reflect, to be heard, and to leave something lasting for the generations that follow.

Why It Matters

• Preserve your legacy. Your story, in your own words, permanently recorded for your family and for generations you may never meet.

• Find purpose and connection. Many veterans find it profoundly meaningful to tell their story and truly be heard. Participation connects you to a community of fellow veterans and to the broader mission of the Justice Fisher Project.

• Honor the fallen through the living. Every veteran carries the memory of those they served alongside. Your oral history keeps their names and their sacrifice alive in the telling.

• Educate future generations. Your account is primary source history. Schools, historians, and families rely on oral histories to understand what service truly looked like from the inside.

• Be heard on your own terms. You decide what you share. There are no wrong answers and no pressure. This is your story, told your way.

How It Works

1 Express Interest. Fill out the form below — no commitment required.

2 We Reach Out. A Justice Fisher team member will contact you to answer questions.

3 The Interview. A relaxed, recorded conversation at a place and time that works for you.

4 Preserved Forever. Your story is archived at the NYS Military Museum for future generations.

Who Can Participate?

• Veterans of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces

• Veterans of any era — World War II through present day

• Spouses and family members of veterans

• Gold Star families

• Civilians who served in a wartime support capacity

• Veterans of any age — it is never too late to share your story

For more information on the statewide program, visit the NYS Military Museum website.

Request an Interview

If you are a veteran — or a family member of a veteran — and you would like to be considered for an oral history interview, please fill out the short form below. There is no obligation. A member of our team will simply reach out to tell you more and answer any questions you have.

All information submitted is kept private and used only to coordinate your interview. Your story will only be archived with your full consent.