What's Next: Advancing the Vietnam War/American War Oral History Project

Abstract

The Vietnam War/American War Oral History project aims to identify engaging ways to bring scholars and the general public in direct contact with the lived experiences of both American and Vietnamese combatants or civilians who participated in the Vietnam War/American War.

The projects goal is record, preserve/archive, and make accessible to the public oral history interviews with those who fought and others who were impacted (including unheard voices) on all sides of the Vietnam War/American War in Vietnam and to emphasize listening across difference.

The project has evolved from initial concept through several prototype versions of the interface and advanced capabilities. In summer 2018, a funded symposium brought scholars and technology experts to campus to consult with the project team as we prepare for national funding opportunities. https://idahweb.webtest.iu.edu/news-events/_events/2017-18/symposium/conflict-civic-engagement.html

A demonstration of the website capabilities and a discussion on future enhancements, including crowdsourcing, community engagement and user contribution will be covered during the brown bag.