May 22, 2006 Robert W. "Bob" Patrick Selected to Direct Library of Congress Veterans History Project

Press Contact: Anneliesa Clump Behrend (202) 707-9822; Trish Taylor Shuman (202) 707-1940
Public Contact: Veterans History Project (888) 371-5848

Robert W. “Bob” Patrick has been selected as the new director of the Veterans History Project, a program of the American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress to collect and preserve oral histories and documentary materials from veterans of World War I through the current conflicts.

Patrick comes to the Veterans History Project with more than 30 years of experience leading organizations and is skilled in the areas of project management, human resources, veterans affairs and policy development. For more than five years, he served a critical role in the National World War II Memorial project and directed the historic memorial dedication.

“I am honored to join the Veterans History Project,” said Patrick. “Having worked for a number of years in support of the goals of this important national effort, it has been a personal and professional aspiration to be a part of this project and serve with this great group of dedicated professionals who are preserving the inspiring stories of America’s veterans.”

Patrick, a retired U.S. Army colonel, had served in a number of leadership positions, particularly in the areas of administration and human resources, both overseas and in the states. Mr. Patrick is a graduate of the United States Army War College. He received his masters in public administration/public service at Western Kentucky University and a bachelor of arts in history from the Virginia Military Institute.

Authorized by legislation passed by Congress in 2000, the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center is a nationwide volunteer effort to collect and preserve oral histories from America’s war veterans. The Veterans History Project archives audio and video recorded oral histories, letters, photographs, journals and written memoirs from veterans of World War I through the current conflicts as well as from civilians who served in support of them. To date more than 40,000 individual submissions have been received. Those who are interested in participating are encouraged to e-mail the Veterans History Project at vohp@loc.gov or to call toll-free (888) 371-5848 to request a free project kit. For more information about the Veterans History Project, and to see and hear veterans’ stories, visit www.loc.gov/vets.

The American Folklife Center was created by Congress in 1976 and placed at the Library of Congress to “preserve and present American Folklife” through programs of research, documentation, archival presentation, reference service, live performance, exhibition, public programs and training. The center includes the Archive of Folk Culture, which was established in 1928, and is now one of the largest collections of ethnographic material from the United States and around the world.

###

PR 06-119
2006-05-23
ISSN 0731-3527