Media Advisory

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The United States Attorney’s Office is hosting a native-Iowan author and historian who will detail a subchapter of the state’s rich history of tolerance and acceptance, when it provided a safe haven to refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. The Scattergood Hostel located in a then-closed Quaker boarding school near West Branch was that safe haven. The author will discuss this rich history and compare and contrast it to the current mass migration of refugees occurring in Europe fleeing war, poverty and ecological disaster from the Middle East.

United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau will introduce the speaker, Dr. Michael Luick-Thrams. Another planned speaker, Dr. Guenter “George” Krauthamer, is a retired Rutgers University Professor. He will tell via a SKYPE connection about his family’s fleeing Europe and their life at the Scattergood Hostel.

Also available for viewing and parked in front of the Federal Courthouse will be a BUS-eum that contains exhibits reflecting Iowa’s rich cultural history. For details, see: http://roots.traces.org/at-home-in-the-heartland

EVENT DETAILS

When: Monday, April 4, 2016

Where: Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse (Jury Assembly Room), 111 7^th Ave. SE

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (speaker presentation); 1:00 – 4 p.m. (BUS-eum tour)

The media interested in attending must contact the office to confirm attendance. Contact information is listed above.

A press release and interview opportunities will be available.

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