ThoughtGallery.org > ‘World War II Homefront: Spies, Saboteurs, and Sympathizers in NYC’ Webinar

‘World War II Homefront: Spies, Saboteurs, and Sympathizers in NYC’ Webinar

In honor of George Washington’s birthday on February, 20th, 1939, over 20,000 Nazi sympathizers gathered in Madison Square Garden to cheer Adolph Hitler and boo “Franklin Rosenfeld” and the “Jew Deal.” While one might assume this was a scene from the dystopic television show The Man In The High Castle, this chilling event was just one of many actually happening across the country at the time. This is the untold story of New York City in the run-up to World War II, and the Nazi agents and affiliates that lurked in its shadows.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the forgotten chapter of New York City history before the United States entered World War II, when German spies, saboteurs, and sympathizers had infiltrated — and integrated into — communities throughout the tri-state area.

Led by writer, historian, and licensed New York City tour guide Robert Brenner, this virtual exploration of an unsettling period in the city’s past will include:

  • The men who dreamed of becoming Führer of the United States — and the groupies that adored them
  • The German saboteurs who invaded NYC via German U-boat and LIRR, and their secret graves in Washington, DC
  • The Nazi front organization that ran summer camps in Long Island and New Jersey
  • The Park Avenue doctor who led a Nazi spy ring, all while living next door to a major synagogue
  • The spy who was a double agent for the FBI, and operated out of a plush hotel in Times Square
  • The relationship between these historic events and Charlottesville in 2017, from periodic flareups of Nazi and fascist activity in the U.S. to how it can be stopped

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Robert — any and all questions about New York’s darker past are welcomed and encouraged.

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Robert

Robert Brenner is a licensed New York City tour guide, a certified member of the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), and an almost lifelong New Yorker. He started exploring the city on his own as a teenager in the 1970s, and moved here permanently in the 1980s. In 2014 he launched his own small, independent, boutique walking tour company, Pig Feet Walking Tours, specializing in offbeat history, culture, and food walking tours; since then he has led walking tours for the Municipal Art Society, the Van Alen Institute, the Historic District Council, the Museum of Sex, and many other organizations. He currently lives in Chelsea with his wife and is pursuing a Masters in New York Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center.











When: Fri., Jan. 22, 2021 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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In honor of George Washington’s birthday on February, 20th, 1939, over 20,000 Nazi sympathizers gathered in Madison Square Garden to cheer Adolph Hitler and boo “Franklin Rosenfeld” and the “Jew Deal.” While one might assume this was a scene from the dystopic television show The Man In The High Castle, this chilling event was just one of many actually happening across the country at the time. This is the untold story of New York City in the run-up to World War II, and the Nazi agents and affiliates that lurked in its shadows.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the forgotten chapter of New York City history before the United States entered World War II, when German spies, saboteurs, and sympathizers had infiltrated — and integrated into — communities throughout the tri-state area.

Led by writer, historian, and licensed New York City tour guide Robert Brenner, this virtual exploration of an unsettling period in the city’s past will include:

  • The men who dreamed of becoming Führer of the United States — and the groupies that adored them
  • The German saboteurs who invaded NYC via German U-boat and LIRR, and their secret graves in Washington, DC
  • The Nazi front organization that ran summer camps in Long Island and New Jersey
  • The Park Avenue doctor who led a Nazi spy ring, all while living next door to a major synagogue
  • The spy who was a double agent for the FBI, and operated out of a plush hotel in Times Square
  • The relationship between these historic events and Charlottesville in 2017, from periodic flareups of Nazi and fascist activity in the U.S. to how it can be stopped

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Robert — any and all questions about New York’s darker past are welcomed and encouraged.

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Robert

Robert Brenner is a licensed New York City tour guide, a certified member of the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), and an almost lifelong New Yorker. He started exploring the city on his own as a teenager in the 1970s, and moved here permanently in the 1980s. In 2014 he launched his own small, independent, boutique walking tour company, Pig Feet Walking Tours, specializing in offbeat history, culture, and food walking tours; since then he has led walking tours for the Municipal Art Society, the Van Alen Institute, the Historic District Council, the Museum of Sex, and many other organizations. He currently lives in Chelsea with his wife and is pursuing a Masters in New York Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Buy tickets/get more info now