Tag: wwii

Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution at New-York Historical Society

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On February 14, 2020, the New-York Historical Society opened a brand new exhibit dedicated to the life and work of Bill Graham (1931-1991), a legendary music promoter who worked with some of the biggest names in music--including Jimi Hendrix, Santana, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, and more. Through his concerts, festivals, and music venues … Continue reading Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution at New-York Historical Society

Martha Gellhorn – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

Martha Gellhorn was arguably the greatest female war correspondent who ever lived. I first learned about her through the HBO biopic “Hemingway & Gellhorn,” [1] which was based on her short-lived affair-turned-eventual-marriage to every English department’s favorite male chauvinist pig. As soon as the movie ended, though, I caught myself desperately Googling for more information … Continue reading Martha Gellhorn – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

Annemarie Schwarzenbach: Tragic and Transcendent – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

I first learned of Annemarie Schwarzenbach from a NY Times article a friend of mine shared on Facebook titled “Beautiful Tomboys of the 1930’s.” The photos of Annemarie were striking and intriguing. I instantly wanted to know more about her. Then I did as many do after reading an article, I saved it and added … Continue reading Annemarie Schwarzenbach: Tragic and Transcendent – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

Megan Stewart, Elizabeth Cambers, and Sabrina Coons discover Irena Sendler – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

A short 90 minute drive from both Kansas City, Missouri and Lawrence, Kansas is a remarkable space in an unremarkable place. Fort Scott, Kansas was the home to the 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry during the United States Civil War and the birthday place of photographer Gordon Parks. It is also home to the … Continue reading Megan Stewart, Elizabeth Cambers, and Sabrina Coons discover Irena Sendler – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002) – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

Most people who have heard of 'Pippi Longstocking' - a red-haired, freckled, fiercely independent and anti-authoritarian girl - might also be familiar with the name of her creator: the children's book author Astrid Lindgren. As long as I can remember I thought of Astrid Lindgren as a kind and gentle looking, elderly lady. I never … Continue reading Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002) – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

The Young Women of the Dutch Resistance (Hannie Schaft, Truus and Freddie Oversteegen) – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 2 Comments

The bullet creased her scalp, drawing blood, but missing its target. Jannetje Johanna “Hannie” Schaft, a 24-year-old member of the Dutch resistance, looked up at the SS officer, and taunted him with her final words: “I am a much better shot!” A Dutch collaborator then opened fire with his submachine gun, ending the life of … Continue reading The Young Women of the Dutch Resistance (Hannie Schaft, Truus and Freddie Oversteegen) – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

Sybil Kathigasu – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

Sybil Medan Kathigasu neè Daly, a nurse and resistance fighter during the Second World War, is little known even within Malaysia, the country she helped during its occupation by Japanese forces. But in my opinion her contributions, and her bravery in the face of hardship, should not be taken lightly or be forgotten. So allow … Continue reading Sybil Kathigasu – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land