Open Access Primary Sources
Veterans History Project - Library of Congress
The Veterans History Project (VHP) collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans and civilians who supported them. Through oral histories, letters, diaries, photographs, and other original materials, the project documents the experiences of those who served in the U.S. military from World War I to the present. Researchers can explore the collection online to gain insight into the individual stories that shape our nation’s military history.
Veterans Day Resources - National Archives
The National Archives offers extensive collections and educational resources that honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. Its Veterans Day resources include primary source documents, photographs, military service records, and teaching materials that highlight the experiences of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. These materials provide valuable context for understanding the nation’s military history and the individuals who have helped shape it.
Research Topics - U.S. Army Center of Military History
The U.S. Army Center of Military History provides curated research topics and resources that support the study of the Army’s role in American and global history. The site offers detailed bibliographies, unit histories, and thematic guides covering key conflicts, operations, and organizational developments. It serves as a valuable starting point for researchers exploring the evolution, leadership, and legacy of the U.S. Army.
Naval History and Heritage Command
The Histories section of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) website is a comprehensive resource for exploring the rich history of the United States Navy. It provides access to detailed ship histories through the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS), in-depth documentary studies of naval operations and campaigns, and accounts of naval aviation development. The site also features oral histories from veterans, offering personal perspectives, and historical data on U.S. Navy ship force levels.
UofL Databases
Access Military, Government & Defense - Access World News
Current and archived news from leading military publications like Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, Navy Times, Defense News, and Armed Forces Journal. This resource also includes Congressional Quarterly Transcripts and Federal Times, offering comprehensive coverage of key issues across all branches of the U.S. government.
Includes personal collections, military files, artwork, and audio-visual files focusing on the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and governments in the First World War.
American Civil War Letters & Diaries
A collection of indexed letters, diaries, and memoirs related to the Civil War. Also includes biographies and bibliographies. 1855 - 1875.
HeinOnline Military and Government Guide
Resources on the organization, administration, and history of the U.S. Armed Forces. Covering topics such as military policy, defense spending, veterans’ affairs, and the evolving roles of service members, this collection provides access to thousands of titles and millions of pages of government documents, reports, and scholarly works.
UofL Subject Guides
Visit our Hidden Histories of the American Revolution research guide for resources focused on the Revolutionary War.
Visit our subject guides for History, News and Governement Resources for additional resources.
