City of Greeley News

The Greeley Historic Preservation Commission continues the free 2019 History Brown Bag series held each month from January through October, noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27.  University of Northern Colorado Professor of Africana Studies, Dr. George H. Junne, Jr. will speak about participation of Africans and African Americans in World War I.  These soldiers and pilots contributed greatly in the defeat of Germany and its allies. 

According to Dr. Junne, “one of America’s units of black soldiers received France’s highest decoration, the Croix de Guerre.” Dr. Junne explains he will “focus on African and African Americans and their valiant involvement in the war nicknamed ‘The Great War,’ ‘The War to End All Wars,’ and ‘The War to Make the World Safe for Democracy.’  The men were called upon to free Europe while in their own countries they did not have the same freedoms for which they were fighting.  Although WWI ended a little over 100-years ago, it is still important that the roles of Blacks be honored.” 

The presentation will be held in the Community Room at the Greeley History Museum, 714 8^th Street.

Following are the many offers a part of the 2019 History Brown Bag series.  All presentations will be held at the Greeley History Museum, 714 8^th Street, in the Community Room, unless otherwise noted.  Note several dates are different than the 4^th Thursday of the month.

February 27 (Wed)  
African Americans in World War I, Professor George Junne

March 28                    
A Soldier’s Memories of Vietnam, Vietnam Veteran and Colorado resident John Thompson

April 11                      
Jewish Soldier Experiences of World War II, Rampart Library District Director Michelle Petrazzoulo (Greeley Active Adult Center, dining room, 1010 6^th Street)

May 23                       
Manzanar: An American Concentration Camp, Marge Taniwaki

June 6                         
WWII Battlefields, Cemeteries and Monuments, Don Runnells

July 25                       
Young Chautauquans Perform, Young Chautauquans

August 22                   
To Be Determined

September 26             
Teetotalers, Stuffed Shirts & Canoe Paddlers: Union Colony Letter Writers, Museum Manager Dan Perry

October 24                 
History of the Colorado Railroad Museum and artifacts, Michelle Kempema; this presentation will be held at the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10^th Street and will be free of charge.

For more information, contact Betsy Kellums in the Historic Preservation Office at betsy.kellums@greeleygov.com or 350-9222.