Danbury Library Commemorates WWII 70th Anniversary with series of fall programs

The Danbury Library is commemorating the 70th anniversary of World War II with a series of three, free, informative programs in September, October, and November.    Author Charlotte Bonelli will start things off with a talk about her book, “Exit Berlin: How One Woman Saved Her Family from Nazi Germany” on Saturday, September 19 from 2:00-3:00 p.m..  Ms. Bonelli will talk about the heroic efforts of Luzie Hatch to rescue her family from the clutches of the Nazis. She was able to rescue her immediate family but many of her relatives perished in the Holocaust despite her efforts. The book and talk are based on Ms. Hatch’s World War II correspondence.   

In October, Professor Diane Cypkin from Pace University will conduct an entertaining concert/lecture on “While You’re Away: Love Songs of World War II” on Saturday, October 10 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.  “I’ll Be Seeing You,” The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and “I’ll Walk Alone” are among the many love songs that were exceptionally popular during WWII. Why were they so popular? Who wrote, played, and sang them?  Enjoy this one woman concert/lecture by Professor Cypkin as she talks about the vital role that music made in the morale both on the home front as well as at the battlefront.     

On Saturday, November 7 from 10:15-11:15 a.m., Brigid Guertin, Executive Director of the Danbury Museum and City of Danbury Historian, will close the series by providing insights in to what it was like back in the Danbury are during WWII.  She’ll start with people’s experiences from the national home front perspective and narrow it down to the local Danburian experience.   She’ll share some music, a few short film clips, and images from the time of Danbury city streets.

All programs are free of charge and require registration.  Registration is available online at danburylibrary.org, click on “events” or call 203-797-4527.   The Danbury Library is located at 170 Main Street