The Veterans Curation Program (VCP) is a five-month program in the flagship lab locations (Alexandria, VA; Augusta, GA; St. Louis, MO; and San Mateo, CA) that provides employment, vocational training, and technology skills to veterans seeking to improve their access to the mainstream job market.
The VCP was created to process at-risk archaeological collections belonging to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Many of these collections require rehabilitation in order to meet federal standards, and the VCP employs veterans as laboratory technicians to perform this work. This includes cataloging and photographing artifacts, and cleaning, scanning, and re-housing photographs and documents, providing veterans with a valuable bridging experience from the military into the public sector.
The VCP is managed by New South Associates (NSA), a women-owned small business (WOSB) Georgia corporation.
“The Veterans Curation Program assists in upholding our caretaker responsibility for cataloging and documenting artifacts found/uncovered on our federal lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is unique because it also offers a training and employment opportunity for another precious resource, our Nation’s veterans. These young men and women gain skills in archeology, knowledge about working within the federal government, make new relationships in their communities and get the opportunity to continue to serve their country while attending school or searching for their post military service career. It’s a Win-Win!”
-Major General Kimberly M. Colloton, Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations
“This program continues to pay tremendous dividends by helping those who have served their country but also contributing to the mission to preserve and document the collections that we are responsible for across the Nation.”
– Colonel Kevin R. Golinghorst, former Commander, St. Louis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2020-2023
“The Veterans Curation Program is the perfect nexus of archaeological stewardship and honoring selfless service. These amazing Veterans ask for nothing more than opportunity and the chance to once again be part of a winning team. With their help, the VCP is preserving the past, while inspiring the future.”
– Major General (Ret) Richard L. Stevens, former Deputy Commanding General/Deputy Chief of Engineers, 2014-2017
“I am extremely proud of this program because it helps our veterans, while also preserving our Nation’s past. The effort is so inspirational because it repays a debt we owe to these brave men for their service and sacrifices, while also preparing them for post-service civilian employment and productive lives.
– Major General John Peabody, former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commander, Mississippi Valley Division