World War II Roundtable: Learn American history from its heroes
Studying and preserving factual history is essential to understanding ourselves and the world into which we were born. Committed to that work is the Dr. Harold C. Deutsch World War II History Roundtable, which offers presentations to students, parents, and all those interested in learning the factual history of World War II through the input of historians and first-hand accounts from the individuals who made it.
In May, I wrote about the last program the Roundtable offered on the European Air War to wrap up the 2022 school year, and I’m happy to share that the Roundtable’s 2023-24 program kicks off tonight, Tuesday, September 12 at the Minnesota History Center.
Starting at 5:45 p.m., students have the opportunity to meet World War II veterans before top-notch historian and author James Hallas discusses the capture of the Mariana Islands of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan and the role this played in the Allied Victory.
Attending in support will be the Minnesota Parents Alliance (MPA), a parent-led parent-powered organization focused on returning the state’s K-12 system to one of the best in the nation through parent-teacher partnerships and reigniting parents’ interest and desire to be actively involved in their child’s education and their local school community.
“Recently the teachers unions and their political allies like to accuse parents of ‘not wanting to teach honest history,'” shared MPA. “The fact is that most parents (and grandparents) are disappointed and concerned with how insufficient our current social studies and history curriculum is and are looking for ways to educate and inspire their children through accurate, engaging instruction. The heroes at the Minnesota WW2 Roundtable are here to help!”
The Roundtable meets on the second Tuesday of every month from September through May at the Minnesota History Center, with each program starting at 7:00 p.m. Programs include lectures by knowledgeable historians and oral history of individuals who lived through this history. The roundtable also engages specifically in student outreach efforts, using a similar format of presentations by historians and first-hand accounts. Video of the presentations are available for future use of participants, students, and others interested in the study of World War II history.
Check out the whole 2023-24 schedule here to learn more about upcoming speakers and topics.
____________________
Given that Minnesota’s proposed K-12 social studies standards focus little on the actual events of World War II, this is a great opportunity for students to learn from experts and those with direct personal observations or experiences.