World War II Discussion Group

World War II Discussion Group will be on Thursday, February 8, 2024, from noon until 1:30 pm. Meets every 2nd Thursday of each month.

Come and join the World War II discussion group. Join us as we explore a wide variety of topics from particular battles, military training, the psychological effects on veterans, and life on the home front. Every month a club member or outside speaker will present their research on some aspect of World War II. This could be a formal or informal presentation on a WWII book or personal research. A discussion period and time to socialize will follow. Share stories and learn together with people that share an interest in all things related to World War II. Warren Laws and Susan Howe are the facilitators.

October 10 - Codebreakers Part 1  Chuck Gross will discuss the general mindset & overall state of code breaking leading up to WWII. Who were the critical movers and shakers between WWI and WWII - which countries kept code breaking fires burning, and which did not?  Abilities of Allies and Axis code breakers during WWII. How did the German enigma really work?  Plus, a look at recently declassified information of a prominent U.S. company's critical role to the Allies code breaking efforts (not IBM).

November 14 - Codebreakers Part 2   Chuck Gross will give a more in depth look at the codebreakers:  Women contributors, American Indians, famous mathematicians and engineers, and some who nearly derailed Allied abilities. He will talk about the Japanese abilities, along with critical decryption achievements in the Pacific war.  What did a tiny town in rural Indiana have to do with all this?

December 12 - Social Hour / Book Swap. We will enjoy holiday cookies and coffee or tea while we listen to 40s music and socialize. Participants are encouraged to bring unwanted WWII books and/or DVDs to share with others. Any remaining books or DVDs will be donated to the Library at the Center.

Free and open to all.