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Veterans History Project (VHP): Exploring the Collections

Visiting VHP at the Library

Making an Appointment

In order to review collections onsite at the Library of Congress, you will need to make an appointment. Please contact us at least 10 working days in advance of your arrival to allow staff to retrieve and prepare the materials you would like to see. Appointments can be requested by calling us at (888) 371-5848 or by emailing [email protected]. Please note that you will not be able to review materials without an appointment. 

You must obtain a Reader Identification Card in room LJ-139 (Thomas Jefferson Building, First Floor) in order to use the reading room. Cards are free and can be obtained by completing a registration process and presenting a valid driver's license, state-issued identification card, or passport. Researchers must be 16 and above years of age at time of registration.

The American Folklife Center Reading Room

The physical space where you will come to do research using Veterans History Project (VHP) collections is called the American Folklife Center (AFC) Reading Room. It is located in room LJ-G53, in the Southeast corner of the ground (street-level) floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building.

The AFC Reading Room is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, EST (except federal holidays).

Visiting the VHP Information Center

If you are interested in dropping by the Veterans History Project (VHP) Information Center, which is located in Room LJ-G51 next door to the AFC Reading Room, you may do so between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Please note that you will not be able to access VHP collection materials in the VHP Information Center. 

In the Information Center, you can obtain copies of the VHP Field Kit and other promotional materials, view a small display of sample VHP materials, and speak to a staff member who can answer general questions about VHP.