"In Our Own Words" is the first exhibition to be installed in the Brooklyn Historical Society's new Oral History Gallery. The interactive exhibition - designed and produced by Alison Cornyn and her team at Picture Projects - is an introduction to the Vietnam War unlike any other. Each of the nine photographic portraits featured in the exhibition was photographed, printed on canvas and framed in a fashion reminiscent of the other historically significant artworks in the Historical Society collection. As a visitor approaches each portrait, his or her motion triggers the accompanying 3-5 minute audio clip, played through Hypersonic Sound Speakers mounted on the ceiling above. From that position, it sounds as if the speaker is standing right next to the listener, while in other parts of the room, the voice sounds like a whisper.

The veterans' stories were gathered by Philip F. Napoli, Professor of History at Brooklyn College. The storytellers touch on themes including growing up in Brooklyn, going off to war, vivid descriptions of combat, returning home, the long-term impact of their war experiences, and their lives today.
"In Our Own Words", which was co-curated by Kate Fermoile, Vice President for Exhibits and Education at BHS, will be on display for one full year, after which a new oral history exhibition will take its place.

Press reviews: NYT | TheNYSun | DailyNews

The installation is at the Brooklyn Historical Society

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