Discover the fascinating history of Appleton with the Appleton Historical Society and Appleton Public Library! Join us for engaging, monthly presentations where history comes alive – every 2nd Wednesday at 6:30 pm (no December meeting). Each session features a different speaker and topic, all dedicated to celebrating and exploring Appleton’s rich past. Best of all, it’s completely free and open to everyone – no membership required! Learn more about Appleton Historical Society at https://www.appletonhistory.com/.
This month’s presentation: Appleton’s Call to Duty – Honoring Our Red Arrow Heroes in the Pacific War
Appleton has a proud history with the United States Army National Guard. We can trace their history back to the famous battles of the American Civil War, to the island of Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War, and to the trenches of France during World War I. Our presentation will follow this unit when it was attached to the famed 32nd “Red Arrow” Division, as they fought in the hills and jungles of the Pacific during WWII. Join us as we celebrate and honor our local heroes during this bloody conflict.
Presented by Joe Gaerthofner
Joe Gaerthofner was raised in Appleton and is a graduate of Xavier High School. He received his BS from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and works in sales at Nordon Business Environments, a local company started by his Grandfather Norbert in 1957. Joe works alongside his father, Jim, and brother, Andy. Joe has a passion for history, particularly as it relates to Appleton and Wisconsin. Over the years, he has enjoyed writing articles about local history, teaching history to homeschool groups, and leading walking tours at Riverside Cemetery in an effort to shine a light on Appleton’s proud military tradition. He and his wife, Jen, and their son Elijah, reside here in Appleton.