Honor the Fallen of WWII by Telling Their Stories

with Gretchen Dahlen

What more would you like to know about World War II history and the Americans who fought in it? The national volunteer project Stories Behind the Stars (SBTS) provided our speaker with an immense learning opportunity and a way to uncover and preserve the stories of the “Fallen” – some 421,000 who paid the ultimate sacrifice. About 8,500 were from Wisconsin. This session will identify a useful approach to discover details about the Fallen’s life. Resources from SBTS help weave together Fold3 military records, unit histories and reports, newspapers, directories, yearbooks, census, church records and more. And thus, a story is born. After hearing a few of the stories and benefits, maybe you too would like to join up as a volunteer. While no list for Dane County Fallen is yet complete, the number is estimated to be about 430.

Gretchen Dahlen is a volunteer from Verona, who has been active in genealogy and family history for 35 years. She researched and wrote more than 60 stories in her first year with Stories Behind the Stars, and is passionate about helping our ancestors and neighbors come alive again.

This program is in person only at the Norwegian American Genealogical Center and Naeseth Library, 415 W. Main St, Madison, WI 53703. Attendees are welcome to arrive any time after 10:30 AM. The presentation will begin at 11:00 AM.

We will meet on the second floor of the Naeseth Library. An elevator is available. There is limited off-street parking, and street parking on a first come, first served basis. All restrooms are ADA compliant.

Questions? Contact programs@dcags.org.

Make a Gift

This event is made possible by donations from members like you. Donations go a long way in allowing DCAGS to provide member programs.