For the past two years the Gore Research Center has been partnered with the Library of Congress to collect oral history accounts from veterans.  Now the project has been expanded to include the stories of those men and women who worked on the home front to support the troops during World War II.

Many industries in Middle Tennessee produced defense-related materials.  Vultee Aircraft Company produced the Vengeance dive-bomber, and the Nashville Bridge Company turned out sub-chasers and barges.  Many smaller plants such as shirt factories and shoe companies were able to modify their existing product line and produce goods for the war effort.  The tremendous need for troops left many industrial jobs to be filled for the first time by women.  During the World War II years the number of working- women in Nashville increased by almost 50 percent.

The Center is interested in recording stories from people who worked in any war-related industry.  Stories are also sought from people who worked to organize local war rallies, or with the Red Cross to support the troops.

If you are interested in participating in the Veterans History Project or if you can suggest others who might be interested, please contact Lisa Pruitt or Betty Rowland at 615-898-2632.

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