The public is invited attend the annual meeting of the Murray County Historical Society on Sunday, October 17th at 2 PM. The event will be held in the Currie town council room at 801 Third Street. The featured speaker for this event is Dr. Lloyd Petersen, professor emeritus from Southwest Minnesota State University. He will present “Stories of World War II.”
Dr. Lloyd Petersen is a long-time teacher of United States history on all levels. He has a B.A. from Westmar University, Masters degree in U.S. history (emphasis on 20th century) from the University of South Dakota, and a Ph.D in Civil War history from the Union University/Institute. Lloyd is a frequent speaker on WWII, the Civil War and the Depression Years in schools, nursing homes and senior centers and is delighted to teach these topics for SMSU’s Gold College, a special program SMSU offers for any adults who are interested in learning just for the joy of learning. He has taken additional graduate work at Macalester College, Iowa State, U of M Duluth, Colorado State University plus a few others.
When asked why World War II is an area he is immersed in, he said: “My dad and four uncles were WWII vets. They never spoke of their experiences and as a kid, I wanted to ask questions but was told never to bring up the topic. Because of this, I started reading everything I could on World War II. I remember the first two books I ever read were; GOD IS MY CO-PILOT and THE RAFT. My passion to learn even more about this period of time led me to interview forty women about their experience during WWII and found a rich history often overlooked. I shared it at a history conference at Los Alamos, New Mexico and often quote what they had to say in my classes.”
Lloyd retired with the rank of professor emeritus but he continues to teach both on campus and on-line classes plus supervise student teachers. While a high school teacher, he was Marshall Teacher-of-the Year and a candidate for Minnesota Teacher-of-the Year. Lloyd’s wife Rennae, is a music teacher. Anyone who has heard Dr. Petersen speak can attest to the remarkable way he brings history to life.
The Murray County Historical Society is glad to host his presentation. For more information, please contact museum@co.murray.mn.us or call 507-836-6533.