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*The talk will likely run approximately one hour, and additional time is reserved for questions and discussion.
**Bagged lunches may also be brought in
WWII saw American society rally behind the war effort as the nation geared up to be the “arsenal of democracy”. All communities experienced changes as citizens and businesses did their part. Wally Hersee of the Sturbridge Historical Society will discuss the role The Publick House of Sturbridge played in WWII. Initially, the Inn became the Defense Center for the training of civilians and the State Guard in October of 1941 just weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor. In less than a year after it opened, it became the 1st Service Command Tactical School for the training of U.S. Army officers in guerrilla tactics. The presentation will also look at the 366th Regiment, the Women’s Defense Corps, and the type of training they underwent. The second half of the program will be the showing of a newly enhanced film of the Sturbridge Defense Center’s Dedication on October 25, 1941, including the "Battle of Sturbridge" that was presented for the townspeople and dignitaries on that day.
Wally Hersee grew up in Medfield where he refined his interest in local history. Having moved to Sturbridge, it was only a matter of time before he took an active part in Sturbridge history. A photographer for more than 45 years, his 2017 book, Follow the Light, tells of his photographic journey. His most recent book, "To Defend All that Is Dear" was published in January.
Wally retired as a critical care pediatric burn nurse in 2019. Today, he lives in town with his wife, Mary, and is active on town boards, volunteers at Tanglewood, and writes regularly for the Sturbridge Historic Society.
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