Friends of the National World War II Memorial presents a Monthly Conference Series to learn more about the spirit of unity and shared purpose that defined the character of our country during World War II. This series of monthly half-day virtual conferences features discussions with WWII veterans, war orphans, published authors, and other experts. New York Times best-selling author and Friends' Resident Historian Alex Kershaw moderates the discussions after each presentation.
Register today, for free, to join this unique digital experience.
September - April
Third Saturday Monthly
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
Gwen Strauss, an acclaimed author and poet, resides in Southern France where she directs an artist residency and cultural program at the Dora Maar House. In this presentation, Gwen tells the true story of Hélène Podliasky, who led a group of nine young female resistance fighters on an extraordinary escape from a German forced labor camp during WWII. These women, deeply involved in the resistance, engaged in activities ranging from arms smuggling to saving Jewish children, endured severe imprisonment and torture, and forged a strong bond that culminated in their brave escape during a death march.
Shannon McKenna Schmidt is an acclaimed author and celebrated speaker, engaging audiences at prominent institutions like the New York Public Library and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Shannon chronicles Eleanor Roosevelt's groundbreaking and perilous journey to the Pacific theater during World War II, a trip unprecedented for a First Lady, where she traveled 25,000 miles to support and comfort U.S. troops, pushing the boundaries of her role and boosting morale. Eleanor's extensive tour, marked by personal courage and a deep commitment to the servicemen and the Allied cause, also served as a platform for her to address crucial issues like racial equality and post-war support for servicemen, further shaping her legacy as a transformative First Lady.
Charles Shay, a Penobscot tribal elder and decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean War, has received numerous honors including the Legion d'Honneur, making him the first Native American in Maine to be a French chevalier. During World War II, he served as a combat medic, saving numerous lives during the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach, and was later taken prisoner by German forces until his liberation in April 1945.
The Friends of the National World War II Memorial’s education programs are generously supported by the Jack C. Taylor / Enterprise Rent-A-Car WWII Memorial Education Endowment.