Fairbanks Arts Association Literary Reading and Lecture with Margaret F. Merritt, Ph.D.

Book cover for "Finding Democracy: Through the Lens of a Young German Woman, 1944–1950" by Margaret F. Merritt, featuring a young woman with a vintage camera against wartime aircraft and bombed-city imagery.

Eighty years ago, American forces helped bring democracy to postwar Germany through humanitarian policies on economic aid, education, and inclusion. These lessons remain relevant. Finding Democracy Through the Lens of a Young German Woman, 1944-1950 is the true story of a young German woman who escaped bombs, fires, and invading Soviet troops to discover democracy after living under Nazi fascism. Her story inspires us to think about freedom, memory, and the rebuilding of democratic ideals.

Meet the author at this free reading and lecture.

About the presenter:

Smiling woman wearing a blue top and sunglasses outdoors in a wooded setting
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Margaret F. Merritt, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, educator, public speaker, and retired biologist. She earned the 2026 Bronze Medal of the Living Now Evergreen Award for World Peace for her latest book. Dr. Merritt graduated from the University of California, Utah State University, and the University of Alaska. After many years of scientific writing and publishing, she now focuses on writing historical biographies. “I like to bring forward stories of ordinary people who do extraordinary things. I write to entertain, inform, inspire, and encourage the reader’s thoughtful reflection on past issues that remain relevant.”