You’re invited to a book signing at 5:00 pm and a free screening and discussion beginning at 6:00 pm for Defying The Nazis: The Sharps’ War – a new documentary by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky.

This film tells the story of a daring rescue mission that occurred on the precipice of World War II. It is the previously untold account of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, an American minister and his wife from Wellesley, Massachusetts, who left their children behind in the care of their parish and boldly committed to a life-threatening mission in Europe. Over two dangerous years, they helped save scores of imperiled Jews and refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation across Europe. Tom Hanks and humanitarian Marina Goldman are the featured actors in the film, lending their voices to Waitstill and Martha Sharp.

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Daniel Andries, Senior Producer at WTTW, and featuring Mr. Joukowsky; Holocaust survivor Peter Braunfeld; Dr. Mark Hicks, Profession of Religious Education at Meadville Lombard Theological School; and Maureen Loughnane from Facing History and Ourselves, Chicago office.

At 5:00 pm, Mr. Joukowsky will also be available to sign his companion book to the film, which will be available for purchase at the event.

Defying The Nazis: The Sharps’ War will inspire conversations about the Holocaust, social justice, ethics and human rights across all social, political and faith traditions. The film airs on WTTW11 on Tuesday, September 20.

This is a free event; RSVP is appreciated.