Hoosier Voices from Vietnam

Through newly recorded and archival interviews, artifacts and other material, the upcoming exhibit “Hoosier Voices from Vietnam” will feature the stories of those who participated in Vietnam during the war. This allows our guests at the Indiana Historical Society to hear the stories of the Vietnam War from the people who were there.

Based on the interviews conducted, the exhibit may include stories from members of the Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy and Army, who served in any capacity. The exhibit will also showcase some of the nonmilitary support roles of those who were in Vietnam, such as the United Service Organizations and the American Red Cross.

Typical Saigon street scene, photographed by Mark A. Kurtz, a Photo Interpreter in the U.S. Air Force. Gift of Mark A. and Karen B. Kurtz, IHS

Guests will encounter a memorial wall displaying the names of Hoosiers killed or reported missing in action, recognizing those who cannot share their story now.

Additionally, there will be an interactive space where guests can read a wall of letters from Hoosiers serving in Vietnam. They can learn more about what it was like to be there and how they communicated with loved ones back home. For the letters, artifacts and images displayed, this exhibit will draw from IHS’ ever-growing archival collection, other institutions and individuals willing to share their story.