WGBY World War II Community Outreach

WGBY's outreach surrounding The War is centered on the preservation of local World War II history as recalled by our region's veterans and citizens. From discussions with local veterans groups, community organizations, and retirement communities, we realize the crucial situation that faces us all; without the effort of preservation, veteran histories will begin to disappear in alarming numbers. It is through work with members of the community to capture many of the oral histories that exist and many waiting to be told, and preserve them forever.

In partnership with the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress, WGBY will take part in an oral history collection for the World War II era.  Through face-to-face story workshops and an online story submission tool, we are WGBY truly hope to capture our region’s place in WWII history.  It is our hope you will join us and share memories and stories close to your heart.  For more information about the Veterans History Project log on to their website. 

Also coming this fall will be a WGBY hosted Educator Workshop: Ken Burns’ The War in the Classroom.  This workshop geared towards high school History teachers will seek to provide ideas for linking The War to the high school curriculum.  Also showcased will be the opportunity to participate in the Veterans History Project. 

Finally, WGBY, in partnership with Westfield State College is proud to present “Diaries of War: Preserving Oral Histories from World War II”.  This one-time special event seeks to present the national and local efforts being undertaken to capture and preserve the history that resides with local residents and veterans of war.

Local War Resources

Springfield Armory National Historic Site
http://www.nps.gov/spar/

New England Air Museum
http://www.neam.org/

Berkshire Veterans web site
http://www.shoeboxphotos.net

World War Two Museum, Natick, MA
http://www.museumofworldwarii.com

Coming this September, WGBY will also partner with local organizations to screen preview the national broadcast of Ken Burns' The War. Check back soon for a listing of event dates.  If your organization is interested in a preview screening, contact us at education@wgby.org.

On September 20th, 2007, join us as we feature sneak previews of the critically acclaimed Ken Burns’ THE WAR and WGBY’s local documentary From the Factories to the Frontlines.  A panel of historians, veterans, and television producers will be on hand to share their experiences with story collection.  In addition, local oral history collection efforts will be featured in partnership with the Veterans History Project and the Library of Congress.  Whether you’re interested in collecting stories of your own, finding out how you as an educator can participate, or just hearing some of the local stories collected thus far, this event will be a unique opportunity dedicated to the preservation of our local contributions to history.