Speaker/Host: Bob Sutton

This class will explore the little-known history of PO Box 1142, a secret facility established shortly after the United States entered World War II. Located at Fort Hunt in Fairfax County, the complex was tasked with interrogating and eavesdropping on high-level Nazi prisoners, as well as translating and analyzing captured German war documents. The American servicemen who worked at PO Box 1142, many of whom were Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany with a personal motivation to defeat the Axis powers, were young, bright, hardworking, and dedicated to their work. Through the use of non-violent tactics, they were able to gain valuable information that helped contribute to the Allied victory in World War II. Historian Bob Sutton will be discussing his book, Nazis on the Potomac: The Top-Secret Intelligence Operation that Helped Win World War II, and will have signed copies available for purchase during the presentation.

Robert K. Sutton is a retired historian with a wealth of experience in the field of public history. He served as the chief historian of the National Park Service for nearly nine years, and prior to that he was the superintendent of Manassas National Battlefield Park for 12 and a half years. Dr. Sutton’s professional journey began as director of the Historic Preservation and Historical Administration public history programs at Arizona State University from 1986 to 1990. He has a number of publications to his credit, including books, articles, and reviews on various public history topics. Currently, Dr. Sutton is working as a consultant to the American Battle Monuments Commission.

This event is open to the public. For more information about the Lifelong Learning Institute, Manassas, visit lli-manassas.org