VIRTUAL: World War II & Massachusetts

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RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

Author James L. Parr will discuss his new book, World War II Massachusetts. Over 500,000 Massachusetts residents answered the call to military duty in the Second World War, while the rest of the state's citizens fought the war on the home front. Everyone in the family, including pets, found creative and essential ways to contribute. Thousands worked in factories, volunteered for Civil Defense, watched for enemy aircraft, and took part in salvage collections and bond drives, all while dealing with rationing, blackouts, rumors and a host of other wartime inconveniences. And while thousands of service members left to fight overseas, the Bay State also welcomed thousands more to serve on its military bases that were such an important part of our nation's defense. Learn some of the stories of these brave and dedicated citizens -- from the famous to the ordinary -- as they faced wartime challenges. James L. Parr taught elementary school for 34 years before retiring in 2022. A longtime volunteer at several local historical organizations, Parr is the author of three additional books for The History Press.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Corning Community Impact & Investment.