American Experience

War Letters

Based on newly discovered personal correspondence from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War, War Letters brings to life vivid eyewitness accounts of famous battles, intimate declarations of love and longing, poignant letters penned just before the writer was killed, and heartbreaking "Dear John" letters from home.

Interview with Linda Edquist

21m 27s

In her work as a conservation specialist at the National Postal Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., Linda Edquist has worked to preserve countless letters and other objects in the museum's enormous collection. How can you use some conservation techniques on your letters at home? Watch Linda demonstrate, in 2001 this video interview.

Previews + Extras

  • Interview with Andy Carroll: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Interview with Andy Carroll

    S14 E1 - 3m 6s

    Andy Carroll is the founder and director of the Legacy Project, which honors those who have served the nation in wartime by preserving their letters. He is the author of War Letters: Extraordinary Correspondence from America's Wars, which inspired the AMERICAN EXPERIENCE documentary. Hear about Andy's interest in preserving letters and some of the behind-the-scenes stories of the Legacy Project.

  • War Letters: American Experience - Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    War Letters: American Experience - Preview

    S14 E1 - 30s

    Based on newly discovered personal correspondence from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War, War Letters brings to life vivid eyewitness accounts of famous battles, intimate declarations of love and longing, poignant letters penned just before the writer was killed, and heartbreaking "Dear John" letters from home.

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