If you are as fascinated by the untold stories of women's contributions to war efforts, please join author and historian, Helen Fry, as she discusses her latest book "Women in Intelligence: The Hidden History of Two World Wars." It is a ground-breaking history of women in British intelligence, revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the twentieth century.

About Women in Intelligence:

From the 1910s onward, women took on an extraordinary range of roles in intelligence, defying the conventions of their time. Across both world wars, far from being a small part of covert operations, women were running escape lines, managing networks and interrogating prisoners. And, back in Bletchley and Whitehall, women’s vital administrative work in MI offices kept the British war engine running. In this major, panoramic history, Helen Fry looks at the rich and varied work women undertook as civilians and in uniform. From those who worked for Belgian network ‘La Dame Blanche’, knitting coded messages into jumpers, to those who interpreted aerial images and even ran entire sections, Fry shows just how crucial women were in the intelligence mission. Filled with hitherto unknown stories, Women in Intelligence places new research on record for the first time and showcases the inspirational contributions of these remarkable women.

About Helen:

Discover the versatile expertise of Dr. Helen Fry, a distinguished WWII historian, and author with a profound focus on the contributions of 10,000 Germans and Austrians who fought for Britain during WWII. Her specialization extends to the intriguing realm of the 'Secret Listeners' and the intricate world of 20th-century spies and espionage. Helen's influence goes beyond the pages of her books. She is a sought-after consultant for leading TV and documentary productions, offering historical insight for WWII scenes filmed by major channels like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. Her commitment to historical education encompasses curriculum development for schools and educational programs related to WWI, WWII, and the Cold War. An ardent supporter of the National Centre for Military Intelligence (NCMI), she also serves as a trustee for the Medmenham Collection and holds honorary membership in The Association of Jewish Refugees. Her latest book, 'Women in Intelligence,' illuminating the crucial roles of women in both WWI and WWII, was released in America in October 2023.

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This program is hosted by the Ashland Public Library in partnership with many other area libraries.

Funded in part by the Friends of the West Newbury Library.