Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum will host a special program honoring history, memory, and resilience at 10:30 a.m. May 14. Jim Hemphill and Ellen Weaver Hartman will present “Prisoners of the Nazis: On the Trail of Prisoner-of-War Fathers,” a 30-minute documentary chronicling their remarkable two-week journey through Poland and Germany.
The journey was deeply personal. Hemphill and Hartman walked the very paths their fathers traveled as prisoners of war during World War II – through sites of hardship, perseverance, and hope. Along the way, they documented their experiences, capturing not only the physical landscapes but the emotional weight of retracing a painful chapter in history.
“We are thrilled to host this event to highlight this unique opportunity Hemphill, Weaver, and others participated in,” said Derek Aaron, executive director of the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum. “Their story offers a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made and the connections that span generations.”
Following the film screening, the two will host a live question and answer session, offering personal reflections and answering audience questions about their travels, their discoveries and the enduring impact of their fathers’ stories.
The program is part of the Heritage Museum’s Community Event Series and is free and open to the public. Visitors are invited to experience a moving testament to courage, family, and the lasting importance of remembrance.
The heritage museum is located at 206 Fellowship Street in Starkville.
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