From raising funds at home to serving as “Hello Girls” and nurses, women stepped up to support, fight in, or fight against the war effort with as much patriotism as their male counterparts. Explore women’s participation during the Great War and the records that can help with genealogical research. This class will be held in person as well as virtually via Zoom simultaneously. Registration is required and closes one hour before the start of the program. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or virtually when registering. An email address is required when registering to attend on Zoom. All start times are Central Standard Time. For details see www.mymcpl.org/events/94362/rosie-women-great-war-hybrid
Earning Their Wings: The WASPs of World War II and the Fight for Veteran Recognition
Established by the Army Air Force in 1943, the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program opened to civilian women with a pilot’s license who could afford to pay for their own transportation, training, and uniforms. Author Sarah Parry Myers will discuss how, despite their highly developed skill set, rigorous training, and often dangerous work, the women of WASP were not granted military status until 1977 and denied over three decades of Army Air Force benefits as well as the honor and respect given to male and female World War II veterans of other branches. Myers not only offers a history of this short-lived program but considers its long-term consequences for the women who participated and …
The Role of African Americans in the Civil War
African Americans played critical and transformative role in the Civil War. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting their significant contributions not only as soldiers but also as laborers, spies, and nurses. These roles were crucial to the Union’s triumph. Our distinguished panel, featuring Darius Brown and Nicka Sewell Smith, will shed light on the myriad challenges these individuals faced, their relentless struggle for freedom and equality, and the profound impact their service had on the outcome of the war and the shaping of American history. This narrative eloquently articulates the indispensable role of African American participation in one of the most pivotal conflicts of our nation. For details see iaamuseum.org/event/african-americans-role-in-the-civil-war-webinar/
African Americans in the Army: 1868-1948, with Janice Lovelace, PhD
Following the Civil War, when nearly 200,000 African American men served, the U.S. Army established 4 African American infantry (later modified to 2) and 2 cavalry regiments in 1868. They initially served in the West but fought in the Spanish American War and the two World Wars in segregated units. It was not until 1948 that Executive Order 9981 integrated the military. What was life like for these soldiers? Where do you find service and pension records? For details see familytreewebinars.com/webinar/african-americans-in-the-army-1868-1948/
