World War II was one of the defining events of the twentieth century, and the number of people alive who experienced this momentous time decreases every day. Whether on the home front or on the battlefield, the “greatest generation” confronted an intense and unique moment in world history. We are daily losing the living memories of these important historical actors.

For these reasons, the Linfield University History Department and the Linfield Archives have launched the Linfield University Public History Project: World War II as Experience and Memory. This oral history project seeks to preserve the memories of the people affiliated with Linfield and the greater McMinnville, Oregon area who lived through this vital event. Our ultimate goal is to create an oral history archive that will preserve the memories of alumni and community members, as well as connect current college students to previous generations.

This project involves the expertise and work of three faculty/staff members: Dr. Lissa Wadewitz, Associate Professor of History; Dr. Rachel Schley, Assistant Professor of History; and Rich Schmidt, Director of the Linfield Archives. In addition, several students from the History Department are working to move the project forward.