Today in History: United Service Organization
Today in History–February 4–the Library of Congress features the United Service Organization, more commonly known as the USO, incorporated on this date in 1941. The USO was organized by six social service organizations to to provide recreational opportunities and resources for members of the U.S. armed forces on leave. Soon after, the USO created Camp Shows Inc., to bring volunteer entertainers to troops at home and abroad. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below.
USO historical newspaper coverage
USO correspondence & other texts
USO primary source set The Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine Collection
Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine USO participation Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine: Two Kids from Brooklyn online exhibition
On the Road: USO Shows – Bob Hope and American Variety online exhibition
Public Service – Bob Hope and American Variety online exhibition
USO archived website September 20, 2001 to November 27, 2002
Library articles & blog posts
- On This Day: USO Founded 75 Years Ago In Custodia Legis
- Serving the Armed Forces: The USO Folklife Today
USO Tours and War Effort Andre Kostelanetz Collection
- Don’t Play in Mixed Company: Audio Correspondence from the United States’ Wars Folklife Today
- Challenging Students to Consider the Roles Books Played During Wartime Teaching with the Library