Evening Sessions: A Little Pocket of History - A Unique Cold War Story

The Evening Sessions is a monthly adult program series featuring a fun and engaging mix of presentations, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, author visits, and performances on topics covering the arts, culture, history, science, and more!

A Little Pocket of Freedom:  A Berlin Airdrop

Steinstuecken, a West Berlin neighborhood, was part of the American Sector in Berlin during the Cold War. However, Steinstuecken was COMPLETELY surrounded by Communist-controlled territory. The Americans couldn’t even send soldiers or supplies to the village without risking a confrontation (and possible combat) with the Soviets or East Germans.

Yet, for more than 20 years, American soldiers and diplomats kept Steinstuecken out of Communist hands. The village’s residents showed determination, and even courage, in resisting Communist pressure. They also managed to live relatively normal lives, and build a bond with the Americans that stays strong to this day. At the same time, the Americans and Soviets managed the village's situation in a way that kept tensions down and prevented a crisis.

Join author Donald Smith as he discusses his book Steinstuecken: A Little Pocket of Freedom on how they accomplished it. It’s an interesting, even inspiring story that deserves to be remembered.

How to Attend

Join us on Zoom for this virtual program!  It will also be live streamed in the Kantzler Community Room at the Alice & Jack Wirt Library for anyone to drop in to view.