Part 3 - WWII in the Netherlands: A Memoir series from Berthi van der Bent

Join us for an event unlike anything we’ve ever held. Beloved local, Berthi van der Bent H., grew up in the Netherlands during World War II. Over the course of weeks she was interviewed spontaneously by the French Language Group in Fredricksen Library about her experiences and memories as a young girl (age 8-13) of that time. At the beginning of the war, the Netherlands declared themselves neutral before the invasion. As a young child, Berthi grew up constantly hearing the planes from both sides fly (and sometimes get shot down) overhead, as the Netherlands were in between the fighting. Berthi and her family kept her brothers in hiding, since they were German-born and were supposed to go work for Hitler. There was constant fear of losing them. She shares her memories of the Hunger Winter, when they had almost no food to eat. Her perspective on life in the Netherlands during World War II is a unique one that highlights lessons and stories that we all need to hear. You don’t want to miss this unique and powerful memoir from this local survivor of WWII and treasured resident of Camp Hill.

Part One: Sunday, March 20, 2:30 – 3:45 pm In the Community Room, lower level: The first part of Berthi’s video interviews will be shown, including a live introduction from Dr. David Witwer from Penn State Harrisburg. He will lead us through some background and context so we may better understand Berthi’s experience. The video will also be available for viewing online, without the introduction by Professor Witwer. Register here to attend Part One in person or online.

Part Two - At your convenience - available online, approx.2 hours: View the second video from the comfort of your own home online. Registration required to retrieve link to videos. Register here to receive the video link - online only.

Part Three: Sunday, April 10, 2:30 – 4:00 pm in the Community Room, lower level: We’ll wrap up this fascinating series with the final hour of Berthi van der Bent H.’s video interviews, followed by a chance to ask Berthi questions yourself. She and Professor Witwer will both be in attendance for a Q&A period following the video. Register here to attend Part Three - in person only.

Host or Publisher Fredricksen Library