This exhibit contains most of the Vietnam War-related materials on the Minnesota Digital Library. Like many events in recent history, the Vietnam War is not well preserved in many archives or historical collections. We encourage you to browse or search our free catalog to see what we have, and if your organization has something to contribute related to this war - please contact us!

For more information on the war, please check out these lists of additional resources.

Throughout history people have fought wars for control over land and resources. They have also fought to defend their homes and freedom, for an idea, or for political gain. Regardless of the reasons, wars have had a huge impact on American society.

The people who lived through these wars recorded their individual experiences through letters, diaries, photographs, video, and stories told over and over again. Together, these stories speak to the transformative effect of war on individuals – at times eye-opening and horrific, as well as inspiring. These personal experiences provide a glimpse of the service and sacrifice required during wartime, both abroad and on the home front.

Many of these stories can be found in the collections of the Minnesota Digital Library. We have highlighted a selection of them in an online exhibit series titled “War Stories.” Visit our other exhibits in this series using the links below:

Stephanie Hess, Exhibit Curator

The Minnesota Digital Library is grateful to our contributing organizations for sharing the primary and secondary sources highlighted in this exhibit, including the Hennepin County Department of Public Affairs, Melrose Area Historical Society, Minnesota Historical Society, and St. Cloud State University.

Return to the exhibit's home page using the link below.