Somerset libraries partner with Rolling Thunder to help preserve veteran memories

The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) partnered with Rolling Thunder, Inc., an organization that focuses on advocacy for prisoners of war (POWs) and persons missing in action, to help preserve the collective memories of veterans and their families through a digitization event made possible through a grant from National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

“We have been honored to work with Artie and Elaine Muller to preserve the history of Rolling Thunder, Inc., the organization, and of the members of their community,” said Rebecca Sandoval Sloat, grant coordinator and SCLSNJ technical services manager. “In preserving the history of our veterans we are bringing honor to their memories and paving a way for their stories to live on for future generations.”

Thirty-two items were digitized or photographed during the meeting, including: an award from the French president, an oversized group shot of Rolling Thunder members in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and the Taekwondo gi (uniform) of a veteran who was awarded for his skill in the martial art.

The digitized items will be integrated into SCLSNJ’s common heritage initiative, which will make the contributed items available for research and use by future generations by adding these items to Rutgers University’s New Jersey Digital Highway, by making them available in our library’s online catalog, and by submitting them to the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA).

In addition to partnering with Rolling Thunder for this special event, the library system will continue to host monthly digitization days. During the digitization days, Somerset County residents are encouraged to add their family’s most prized possessions to the library system’s catalog, including: historic photographs, letters, or documents; sketches, paintings, or other artwork; family heirlooms including