World War II Archives - Humanities Nebraska

“A Life Well Lived” streaming on PBS (Read More)

Movie poster with title A Life Well Lived An Account of David Kaufmann. Three people's faces are the focus of the image. In the background is a war-torn street with soldiers, a German document, and a handwritten letter.

From November 1, 2026, through November 1, 2029, the documentary film “A Life Well Lived” will be available for streaming on PBS. Click here to stream. About the Documentary In the 1930s, David Kaufmann operated a small store in a Nebraska town [Grand Island]. As Hitler gained power, Kaufmann used his limited resources and persistent effort to help over 200 Jewish men, women, and children find safety in America. Through interviews with descendants and archival records, this film uncovers an remarkable rescue story rooted in the American Midwest.

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Voices in the Darkness: The Music of Terezin (Read More)

In this interactive workshop participants will learn about the music that was created in Terezin (a WWII concentration camp in the Czech Republic). Circle Theatre will present a workshop centered on the music of this period. The workshop will take place in the lobby of the Jewish Community Center 30 min before the beginning of ticketed performances of Hana’s Suitcase (play that follows Japanese educator Fumiko Ishioka as she uncovers the life of Hana Brady, a young Jewish girl who died in the Holocaust) and is free to participate. For more information, visit the Circle Theatre website.

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Not Too Far Distant – York (Read More)

Four stage-lit people in military uniforms appear to march forward in a loose group. An illustration of barbed wire runs along the bottom on the image.

The play “Not Too Far Distant” by Becky Boesen will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on March 3 at the York University Bartholomew Performing Arts Center. Free will donation for tickets. “It’s almost unbelievable that anyone could be hardened to the point of doing the brutal things they did. …” A young man from the Midwest is sent to war, carrying with him the hopes of the free world. What Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams encounters there challenges and changes humanity forever. History touches the present when a new generation takes a journey through time to experience World War II alongside Clarence himself. Centered around his personal letters home, we learn that sometimes what seems so far away is much closer than we think. Filled with hope and heart, Not Too Far Distant honors the experience of the American soldier and reminds us that we all have the power — and the responsibility — to help create a brighter future.

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Not Too Far Distant – Arnold (Read More)

In conjunction with educational events for local students and a Veteran's Day program at 9:30 a.m. on November 11th, the play "Not Too Far Distant" will be presented at 6 p.m. on November 10 at Arnold Public Schools, with Blixt Foundation staff and local veterans hosting an open house prior to and following the Monday night performance. Local historical military memorabilia will also be on display during the two-day event. “It’s almost unbelievable that anyone could be hardened to the point of doing the brutal things they did. …” A young man from the Midwest is sent to war, carrying with him the hopes of the free world. What Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams encounters there challenges and changes humanity forever. History touches the present when a new generation takes a journey through time to experience World War II alongside Clarence himself. Centered around his personal letters home, we learn that sometimes what seems so far away is much closer than we think. Filled with hope and heart, Not Too Far Distant honors the experience of the American soldier and reminds us that we all have the power — and the responsibility — to help create a brighter future.

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Not Too Far Distant – Sidney (SCHOOL AUDIENCE ONLY) (Read More)

Seven performers bring the life of a young man from the Midwest sent to WWII to the stage. They depict the challenges of war as the past touches the present and a new generation takes this journey through time. Larry Nelson, Col. (retired), US Army, will display military uniforms and other items from World War II.

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Not Too Far Distant – Alliance (Read More)

A young man from Nebraska is sent to war, carrying with him the hopes of the free world. Not Too Far Distant is a theatre event inspired by the real letters of Nebraska Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams, a member of the 42nd Infantry during WWII who helped liberate the Dachan concentration camp. Tickets available at the door. Admission Prices: Adults $10, Seniors (55+) $9, Students (K-12) $5

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Not Too Far Distant – Sidney (Read More)

Seven performers bring the life of a young man from the Midwest sent to WWII to the stage. They depict the challenges of war as the past touches the present and a new generation takes this journey through time. Larry Nelson, Col. (retired), US Army, will display military uniforms and other items from World War II. At the door admission: adults - $15.00, seniors - $10.00, students & WNCC - $5.00, under age 5 - FREE. Veterans FREE.

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Running Towards the Fire Broadcast (Read More)

“Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondents Story” will make its debut statewide broadcast on Nebraska Public Media (NE-PBS) on Thursday, May 23, at 8 p.m. central. Rebroadcast times (central time) include: Sunday, May 26, 05:00 pm on NE-PBS Monday, May 27, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Tuesday, May 28, 08:00 pm on NE-PBS Wednesday, May 29, 06:00 pm on NE-W Thursday, May 30, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Friday, May 31, 07:00 am on NE-W RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE vividly captures the pivotal roles war correspondents played during the Allies 1944 D-Day invasion of Europe and subsequent defeat of Nazi Germany and the Axis powers in 1945. The war correspondents were unsung heroes who risked their lives informing the world with firsthand accounts of the bravery and sacrifice of the American and Allied forces who fought the Nazis. The documentary draws extensively from the previously unpublished memoirs of Robert Reuben. The Omaha-born war correspondent parachuted into Normandy, France, hours before the D-Day invasion and was the first journalist on the ground. Reuben chronicled the Allies’ liberation of France and Belgium and fierce fighting in Germany that forced the Nazi’s May 7, 1945, surrender. RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE also pays tribute to the courage and resilience of the men and women who fought tyranny in WWII. Through newspaper articles, radio broadcasts and film reports, war correspondents like Reuben boosted the morale of soldiers and civilians by highlighting the sacrifices they made in the pursuit of freedom.

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Running Towards the Fire Broadcast (Read More)

“Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondents Story” will make its debut statewide broadcast on Nebraska Public Media (NE-PBS) on Thursday, May 23, at 8 p.m. central. Rebroadcast times (central time) include: Sunday, May 26, 05:00 pm on NE-PBS Monday, May 27, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Tuesday, May 28, 08:00 pm on NE-PBS Wednesday, May 29, 06:00 pm on NE-W Thursday, May 30, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Friday, May 31, 07:00 am on NE-W RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE vividly captures the pivotal roles war correspondents played during the Allies 1944 D-Day invasion of Europe and subsequent defeat of Nazi Germany and the Axis powers in 1945. The war correspondents were unsung heroes who risked their lives informing the world with firsthand accounts of the bravery and sacrifice of the American and Allied forces who fought the Nazis. The documentary draws extensively from the previously unpublished memoirs of Robert Reuben. The Omaha-born war correspondent parachuted into Normandy, France, hours before the D-Day invasion and was the first journalist on the ground. Reuben chronicled the Allies’ liberation of France and Belgium and fierce fighting in Germany that forced the Nazi’s May 7, 1945, surrender. RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE also pays tribute to the courage and resilience of the men and women who fought tyranny in WWII. Through newspaper articles, radio broadcasts and film reports, war correspondents like Reuben boosted the morale of soldiers and civilians by highlighting the sacrifices they made in the pursuit of freedom.

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Running Towards the Fire Broadcast (Read More)

“Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondents Story” will make its debut statewide broadcast on Nebraska Public Media (NE-PBS) on Thursday, May 23, at 8 p.m. central. Rebroadcast times (central time) include: Sunday, May 26, 05:00 pm on NE-PBS Monday, May 27, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Tuesday, May 28, 08:00 pm on NE-PBS Wednesday, May 29, 06:00 pm on NE-W Thursday, May 30, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Friday, May 31, 07:00 am on NE-W RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE vividly captures the pivotal roles war correspondents played during the Allies 1944 D-Day invasion of Europe and subsequent defeat of Nazi Germany and the Axis powers in 1945. The war correspondents were unsung heroes who risked their lives informing the world with firsthand accounts of the bravery and sacrifice of the American and Allied forces who fought the Nazis. The documentary draws extensively from the previously unpublished memoirs of Robert Reuben. The Omaha-born war correspondent parachuted into Normandy, France, hours before the D-Day invasion and was the first journalist on the ground. Reuben chronicled the Allies’ liberation of France and Belgium and fierce fighting in Germany that forced the Nazi’s May 7, 1945, surrender. RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE also pays tribute to the courage and resilience of the men and women who fought tyranny in WWII. Through newspaper articles, radio broadcasts and film reports, war correspondents like Reuben boosted the morale of soldiers and civilians by highlighting the sacrifices they made in the pursuit of freedom.

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Running Towards the Fire Broadcast (Read More)

“Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondents Story” will make its debut statewide broadcast on Nebraska Public Media (NE-PBS) on Thursday, May 23, at 8 p.m. central. Rebroadcast times (central time) include: Sunday, May 26, 05:00 pm on NE-PBS Monday, May 27, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Tuesday, May 28, 08:00 pm on NE-PBS Wednesday, May 29, 06:00 pm on NE-W Thursday, May 30, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Friday, May 31, 07:00 am on NE-W RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE vividly captures the pivotal roles war correspondents played during the Allies 1944 D-Day invasion of Europe and subsequent defeat of Nazi Germany and the Axis powers in 1945. The war correspondents were unsung heroes who risked their lives informing the world with firsthand accounts of the bravery and sacrifice of the American and Allied forces who fought the Nazis. The documentary draws extensively from the previously unpublished memoirs of Robert Reuben. The Omaha-born war correspondent parachuted into Normandy, France, hours before the D-Day invasion and was the first journalist on the ground. Reuben chronicled the Allies’ liberation of France and Belgium and fierce fighting in Germany that forced the Nazi’s May 7, 1945, surrender. RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE also pays tribute to the courage and resilience of the men and women who fought tyranny in WWII. Through newspaper articles, radio broadcasts and film reports, war correspondents like Reuben boosted the morale of soldiers and civilians by highlighting the sacrifices they made in the pursuit of freedom.

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Running Towards the Fire Broadcast (Read More)

“Running Towards the Fire – A War Correspondents Story” will make its debut statewide broadcast on Nebraska Public Media (NE-PBS) on Thursday, May 23, at 8 p.m. central. Rebroadcast times (central time) include: Sunday, May 26, 05:00 pm on NE-PBS Monday, May 27, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Tuesday, May 28, 08:00 pm on NE-PBS Wednesday, May 29, 06:00 pm on NE-W Thursday, May 30, 04:00 am on NE-PBS Friday, May 31, 07:00 am on NE-W RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE vividly captures the pivotal roles war correspondents played during the Allies 1944 D-Day invasion of Europe and subsequent defeat of Nazi Germany and the Axis powers in 1945. The war correspondents were unsung heroes who risked their lives informing the world with firsthand accounts of the bravery and sacrifice of the American and Allied forces who fought the Nazis. The documentary draws extensively from the previously unpublished memoirs of Robert Reuben. The Omaha-born war correspondent parachuted into Normandy, France, hours before the D-Day invasion and was the first journalist on the ground. Reuben chronicled the Allies’ liberation of France and Belgium and fierce fighting in Germany that forced the Nazi’s May 7, 1945, surrender. RUNNING TOWARDS THE FIRE also pays tribute to the courage and resilience of the men and women who fought tyranny in WWII. Through newspaper articles, radio broadcasts and film reports, war correspondents like Reuben boosted the morale of soldiers and civilians by highlighting the sacrifices they made in the pursuit of freedom.

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