The Kindertransport

Saturday, June 27, at 1:00 PM at Illiana Genealogical & Historical Society

Heinz Karplus fled Nazi Germany in 1939 as a 13-year-old boy, together with his younger sister. They left Berlin on a Kindertransport – a children’s train. The Kindertransport was a program in which the British government waived visa requirements for unaccompanied minors fleeing Nazi Germany. Ten thousand children, mostly Jewish, were saved by this modern “orphan train.” This program will tell the story of one boy, his life in pre-war Berlin, his escape from the Nazis, his life in England during the war as a refugee, and his coming to America. The presenter is Heinz Karplus’ son, Wayne Karplus.

Wayne Karplus is a retired lawyer who spent most of his legal career as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the Town of Normal, Illinois. Several years ago, he and his wife bought a home across from Mann’s Chapel near Rossville. He enjoys gardening, nature, reading history, and writing children’s stories.

If attending, please RSVP to IGHS at 217-431-8733 or [email protected]

Free admission. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited.