Academia Hernando: “The Greatest Generation Goes to War”

Academia Hernando, a not-for-profit lifelong learning organization, is dedicated to enriching the lives of adult learners in Hernando County and beyond. The organization offers various lectures on various topics, each designed to inform, educate, and inspire its participants. Their upcoming Fall Series is hosted at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, with lectures starting promptly at 10:00 a.m. and lasting two hours, including a 15-minute intermission.

“Our Fall Series is a diverse and interesting group of speakers; we have it all!” said Sharon Printz, a board member of Academia Hernando. “History, architecture, music, reflection, and memories of the past, plus we have three local Hernando County speakers who will inform, educate, and inspire us on the topics they love. It is, indeed, a unique lineup of speakers.”

On Friday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., James Goeb, a seasoned history educator, will present “The Greatest Generation Goes to War.” His lecture will focus on pivotal moments in World War II and life on the American homefront during the conflict. Each session will include a PowerPoint presentation, engaging trivia games, and short videos. As an added feature, Goeb will display WWII memorabilia, creating a museum-like experience for attendees.

Goeb, who holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida, has a deep passion for history. With 39 years of experience teaching high school history, he also helped establish the Hillsborough County Holocaust Studies Program. His travels to significant WWII and Holocaust sites, such as Normandy, Auschwitz, and Dachau, have further enriched his knowledge of the war and its profound impact. He currently works at the Tampa Bay History Center.

The title “The Greatest Generation” was popularized by journalist Tom Brokaw to describe those who grew up during the Great Depression and went on to serve in WWII, both on the battlefield and on the homefront. These individuals displayed resilience, bravery, and sacrifice, helping to defeat fascism and preserve democratic values. World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, involved more than 100 million people from over 30 countries, including major powers like the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union, and China, against the Axis powers—Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Fascist Italy.
Attendees of Goeb’s lecture will walk away with a deeper understanding of both the battlefield and the day-to-day realities experienced by the families left behind.

For those interested in attending this enriching lecture, a series subscription is available for $80 per person, which includes all eight lectures and a memorable bus excursion or event exclusive to subscribers. To secure a subscription, checks can be mailed to Bev Nuzzi at 15027 Middle Fairway Drive, Brooksville, FL 34609. The canceled check will serve as a receipt. Individual lecture tickets are available for $15 each, with walk-ins welcome, although seating may be limited due to space constraints.

For further details, call 352-345-8345 or 352-515-0300.