In 2011, the Park Ridge Public Library initiated the Veterans History Project. The goal of the project is to collect and preserve the personal accounts and visual artifacts of those who served. As the number of WWII veterans dwindles, it becomes increasingly important to collect the stories of those who took part.

Reader Services staff members have been recording the stories of local veterans, while volunteers have assisted with transcribing the oral narratives. To date, seventeen veterans have been interviewed. The interviews, along with photos and documents that have been collected, are archived here.

The Library would like to thank all of the Veterans who have participated in this project by sharing their memories.

The project is ongoing and first-hand stories are actively being sought. To set up an interview or share memorabilia, please contact Cathy Thompson at (847)720-3382 or cthompson@parkridgelibrary.org for more information.