GRAND ISLAND, Neb — Big news for a locally produced documentary telling the story of an unsung hero who saved the lives of countless families fleeing persecution from the Nazis.
The big news is that the film is being picked up by the popular network… PBS to be shown nationally.
Back in august the Hall County Historical Society received a check from the Nebraska state historical society foundation for 5,000 which is exactly the amount needed for the fee to get the Kaufmann film into the National Educational Telecommunications Network (NETA) which is the PBS distribution network. Allowing them to market the film and provide curriculum development available to schools nationally.
Kaufmann emigrated from Germany to Grand Island in 1903, making several contributions to the community including building and owning the Grand Theatre. But his most significant, selfless, and least known accomplishment was him sponsoring 80 Jewish families who were fleeing Nazi Germany during the Holocaust – saving their lives.
A Nebraska story that went from premiering at the Grand Theatre to being displayed to millions of homes across the country. There is no date for when it premieres on PBS but for those who have not seen the film – there is one more public screening in Kearney at the World Theatre on November 17th with University of Nebraska Kearney and the Trails and Rails Museum hosting.