The Peoria Area World Affairs Council will present, “The Politics of Mourning: A German Woman’s Diary, 1939-1948,” with Dr. Erika Quinn, Associate Professor of History at Eureka College, on Thursday, September 21, 2017. The presentation will begin at 6:00 PM in room 126 of the Global Communications Center on the Bradley University Campus.
Vera Conrad began keeping a diary as she was expecting her first child in September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. She quickly found herself assuming new responsibilities when her husband was mobilized, and when he was declared missing on the Eastern Front in 1943, she became the head of household. Her struggle to keep her hope of his survival alive intensified after the war, when her farm was occupied by Soviet troops. Erika Quinn’s presentation explores the process and politics of mourning a death that was not considered “grievable” by the East German regime.
The event is free and open to the public. Advance notice of attendance via director@pawac.org is always appreciated for planning purposes.
