South Sioux City

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Diane R. Bartels presents “Sharpie” at Dakota County Historical Society Event

Diane R. Bartels will present, “Sharpie: Nebraska’s Queen of the Air”, on Friday October 5th at 7:00 p.m. at the South Sioux City Public Library, 2121 Dakota Avenue, South Sioux City, Nebraska.  This program is presented by the Dakota County Historical Society. 

This Power Point presentation is based on Bartels’ extensive research and book about Evelyn Sharp, a pioneering, teenage aviatrix who became a war hero. Sharp taught men to fly and was one of the first women to ferry U.S. Army Air Force fighters during World War II, freeing men for combat. The program is appropriate for students as well as adults. 

Diane Bartels is a lifelong Nebraskan who grew up wanting to fly airplanes. She earned her pilot certificate in 1966 and with that evolved a commitment to aerospace education and the preservation of Nebraska’s rich aviation heritage. In 1991, Diane was recognized as Nebraska’s Teacher-Scholar by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The award made it possible for her to write and publish “Sharpie: The Life Story of Evelyn Sharp, Nebraska’s Aviatrix.” Diane belongs to several aviation organizations, has been published in journals and periodicals and has presented at national conferences. She served as principal consultant for the NETV documentary film “Sharpie: Born To Fly.”

The program is sponsored by Humanities Nebraska and the Dakota County Historical Society, through the HN Speakers Bureau. Speakers Bureau connects Nebraskans with over 165 authors, historians, scholars, musicians, and storytellers who give performances and speak on topics as diverse as the immigrant experience, Great Plains history, world folk music, Nebraska literature, international law, and Native American culture. The Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau is the largest of its kind in the United States. All presentations last for approximately thirty minutes to an hour and include time for questions from the audience. Programs are available for any non-profit or educational organization in the state and can be tailored based on the age and size of the audience. More information about how to book speakers through the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau can be found online at www.humanitiesnebraska.org.

The Dakota County Historical Society Board of Directors meets on the third Thursday each month from January to October, at the Dakota City Public Library, at 7:30 p.m.  All are welcome to attend.  The Dakota County Historical Society operates Combs School, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and the O’Connor House.  For an appointment call 402-987-3516.