Des Plaines Public Library hosts "Held in the Heartland" BUS-eum exhibit and reception June 12

"Camp Pine" sounds quaint but in reality it was a prisoner of war (POW) camp set up near Des Plaines during World War II. Held in the Heartland, a traveling exhibit exploring the human context of the German POWs' experience in America will be in Des Plaines from noon-7 p.m. Friday, June 12.

The BUS-eum 3, a mobile museum, will be parked in front of the Des Plaines Public Library, at 1501 Ellinwood Street. In addition to exploring the exhibit, the public is invited to a reception and talk at 7 p.m. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Library and entrance is free. Visit dppl.org or phone (847) 827-5551 for details and information.

The Held in the Heartland story is told using narrative panels, short documentary films, artifacts and more. In addition to delivering a powerful look into our past, this exhibit reflects issues at play in the world today. POW experiences universally embody ageless, timely themes of war and peace, justice under arms, human rights, reconciliation and avoidance of future conflicts. The Held In the Heartland exhibit explores the human context of the POW experience. Were German POWs generally treated well or treated poorly while held captive in the U.S.? How has that treatment impacted the standing of the U.S. both in Europe and the world at large? In what settings did German POW's encounter Midwesterners? Were these encounters generally positive or negative and what were the lasting impacts? The public can learn more about this exhibit and preview exhibit's texts and photos on-line at TRACES.org.

At the 7 p.m. talk and reception, Irving Kellman, a docent for TRACES Center for History and Culture, will speak about the German POW experience in the United States. Local residents are invited to bring stories, photos, letters, artwork or other "traces" of their families' direct encounters with Camp Pine POWs who worked in the Des Plaines area to the reception, as well.