Join one of the Library’s in-house collections specialists for a look into NYPL’s remarkable archive of World War II regimental histories.

Drawing from sources like war diaries, personal letters, and ephemera, regimental histories offer detailed insights into a regiment’s wartime experiences. From posters advertising performances of Shakesepare by POWs to haunting etchings of the Allies’ first encounters with concentration camps, these firsthand accounts offer intimate glimpses into the spirit and resilience of WWII soldiers and prison camp internees. Collections processing assistant Daniel Anger will demonstrate how to navigate and access these rare, often richly illustrated documents—many of which were printed by and for soldiers shortly after the war—capturing the lived experiences of those who served together in the same unit. These histories provide a personal window into the minds of the “average Joes and plain Janes” who became known as the Greatest Generation.

Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Allied victories in May and August of 1945, Anger highlights these personal accounts filled with humor, brotherhood, and the quiet courage that defined an era.

To join | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open around 1:30 PM. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Daniel Anger has worked for NYPL since 2021. His primary tasks relate to digitizing and cataloging NYPL’s research collection. Hailing from Pompton Plains, Daniel now lives on a small island east of New Jersey. Before joining the Library, Daniel lived in Galilee and studied at Nyack College, the University of Oxford, and Pratt Institute. His main research interests relate to the survival of libraries and educational institutions in warzones and the relationship between the survival of religious minorities, geography, and nationalism in the modern Near East.

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

CONNECT

For questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

Please submit press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

Courtesy Daniel Anger