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Lost Voices of the Great War
Summit County in the First World War
2026-08-08 14:00:00
2026-08-08 15:00:00
America/New_York
Lost Voices of the Great War
Join editors S. Victor Fleischer and Toivo Motter for an exploration of "Lost Voices of the Great War: Summit County in the First World War," a companion to the award-winning PBS documentary.
Highland Square Branch Library - Community Room
Saturday, August 08
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland Square Branch Library
Community RoomJoin editors S. Victor Fleischer and Toivo Motter for an exploration of "Lost Voices of the Great War: Summit County in the First World War," a companion to the award-winning PBS documentary.
Drawing on complete letters, firsthand accounts, and rare archival materials, this talk uncovers the voices of Akron nurses, Goodyear workers, decorated soldiers, immigrants, and migrants whose lives were forever shaped by World War I. Attendees will hear how individuals from diverse backgrounds—across class, race, faith, and nationality—experienced a global conflict, industrial transformation, and a devastating pandemic, offering an intimate window into a generation nearly lost to time. Through these rediscovered stories, Fleischer and Motter reveal how personal narratives illuminate history in ways no photograph or film footage can fully capture.
About the Editors:
S. Victor Fleischer holds a BA and MA in American history and an MLIS from Kent State University. He has worked as a professional archivist for over twenty-five years and currently serves as university archivist, head of Archives & Special Collections, and professor of bibliography at The University of Akron. He has published numerous scholarly articles in professional journals. His first book, "The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: A Photographic History," was published in 2020. He was an associate editor and contributor to Hail We Akron! and lead researcher and co-producer of the Emmy-nominated documentary "Lost Voices of the Great War."
Toivo Motter has worked in the education and instructional design/media fields for over twenty years. In 2018, he established and led a county-wide World War I commemoration project that initiated new research, joint programming, and the production of the Emmy-nominated, PBS-aired documentary film "Lost Voices of the Great War." Toivo holds an MS in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in educational technology from Cleveland State University and a BS in social studies education with a sub-major in history and geography from Kent State University.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | History | Books & Writing |
Highland Square Branch Library
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About the branch
Highland Square is one of Akron’s most iconic communities, hosting numerous street fairs and festivals, eclectic shopping and dining, and a vibrant night life. The extremely diverse neighborhood is home to seniors, young families, artists, educators, and students of all demographics. The Highland Square Branch Library is a reflection of this diverse neighborhood, with a standout LGBTQ collection and a rich programming schedule.
Reference assistance, computers and computer classes, WiFi, copiers, scanning, and faxing round out the services provided within the library. The full scope of community participation, however, is seen in local senior care facilities, local schools and preschools, and neighborhood festivals where Highland Square Branch Library staff plays an active role in creating experiences for participants of all ages. Visit us soon on the Square.