Interview with George C. Herring, September 29, 2017

Interview Summary

Former University of Kentucky history professor George C. Herring discusses his academic career and publications with interviewer Terry L. Birdwhistell. Herring discusses his educational background prior to receiving his PhD from the University of Virginia, where he became interested in the diplomatic history surrounding the Cold War and World War II. He then recalls how he came into his position at the University of Kentucky and his experiences with being a professor. Herring talks about his interest in the Vietnam War, including the two books he wrote on the subject, "America's Longest War" and "LBJ and Vietnam." He describes his involvement in the University of Kentucky oral history project which interviewed Vietnam veterans from around Kentucky during the 1980s. Herring talks about the memory of the Vietnam War in popular culture and how it shaped his other publications. He recalls his work as the history department chair at UK and the professors he hired during his tenure. Herring reflects on other aspects of his academic career and accomplishments. He then discusses his feelings on the writing process and the use of technology within the process.

Interview Keyword

Veterans Vietnam War veterans Kentucky--Vietnam War veterans Diplomatic historians University of Kentucky professors History books Vietnam War memory Vietnam War memorials Military historians History graduate students History professors University of Kentucky--History department

Interview LC Subject

University of Kentucky Military history Vietnam War, 1961-1975. College teachers Universities and colleges--Faculty History publishing Oral history Interviews Historians Universities and colleges--Research University of Kentucky. Libraries. Division of Special Collections and Archives University of Kentucky. Department of History Education, Higher--Kentucky--Lexington College teachers--Job satisfaction College teachers--Workload College teaching Universities and colleges--Administration

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.