Lectures and Book Signings

Prisoners of War in Missouri

A U. S. Army Sergeant instructs Signal Corps trainees at Camp Crowder, 1943.

Main Page - History of POWs in Missouri - Read an excerpt

  Camp Locations - Order the book - Links

Scheduled lectures and book signing events.  All listed are free and open to the public.  Information is below on how to arrange a lecture for your own group.

State Historical Society has just announced the launch of a new Speaker's Bureau. Grants are now available for a lecture on Missouri's WWII POW camps at your organization.  Click here for contact information for the State Historical Society   Request David Fiedler as your speaker.

 

Date

Time

Hosting Organization

Location and Contact Info
       

To add your program here . . .

   Contact Dave by email  about having him speak to your group or call at (314) 956-7353..  

Dave's talk generally runs 30-40 minutes and includes a visual presentation with approximately 50 photographs, maps and illustrations pertaining to Missouri's POWs. 

If you are interested in having David Fiedler talk to your group, please contact Dave at 314/956-7353 (24-hour voice mail) or by email at MoPOWs@aol.com.

Program Synopsis: Most people don't realize that during WWII the U.S. government brought over 400,000 German and Italian POWs to the United States. Beginning in 1942, more than 15,000 of these enemy soldiers were sent to Missouri and held in 30 camps around the state. Contrary to common expectations, the camps were relatively pleasant places, and in fact the government was criticized for treating the prisoners too well.

 

The POWs had a great deal of freedom and opportunities for recreation. They worked (for pay!) on local farms, sometimes completely unguarded. Many friendships grew out of this interaction between prisoners and residents, some of which lasted decades after the war. Through photographs and stories from those who experienced it firsthand, David Fiedler tells of the fascinating, yet little-known story of when the POWs came to Missouri, and how residents reacted when they came face-to-face with the enemy.

 

Feedback on past programs:

  • Mr. Fiedler was informative, entertaining and personable.  His presentation kept your attention and even evoked memories long forgotten with some of the audience members.-  Cape Girardeau, March 2005

  • Interesting, little-known topic; dynamic speaker; emphasized the human interaction on a personal level.- Sullivan, May 2005

  • (Fiedler) was enthusiastic and well organized in his presentation and interesting slide show.  He fielded numerous questions from the audience and was well-versed to respond.- Dexter, September 2005

  • People were engaged from the very beginning and he held their interest throughout...Most of our audience had wartime memories and this added to the quality.  I think David read the audience well and supported their input.- Boonville, October 2005.

  • He did a wonderful job!  He make it very interesting by using visual aids & quotes form correspondence...Most of the questions centered on what happened after the war.  Visitors were interested in the long term effects of the camps...They all commented on how much they enjoyed it and how it was a loss for those who missed it.- St. Joseph, October 2005

     

    From a letter:

     

    Hi Mr. Fiedler  - - My class and I want to thank you for the interesting talk you gave last night.  We really enjoyed it and many of us look forward to reading your book. You did such a great job relating to ninth graders; I appreciated it. It's rare that kids rave about a "lecture."  We wish you the best.  Sincerely,
    Claire Diemler & Her Oakland Students -- Columbia, Mo.

 

 

Main Page - History of POWs in Missouri - Read an excerpt

Camp Locations - Order the book - Links