Defying The Nazis: The Sharps' War

Ken Burns reveals an American couple's secret 1939 mission to help refugees escape Nazis.

Join an American couple's courageous mission in 1939 to help refugees escape Nazi-occupied Europe. Over the course of two years, the pair will risk their lives so that hundreds can live in freedom. A film by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky.

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Funding is provided by members of the Better Angels Society including Jan and Rick Cohen and Jonathan and Jeannie Lavine; The Starr Foundation; The Threshold Foundation; The SeaStone Foundation; and donations from individuals.

Defying The Nazis: The Sharps' War.

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The Sharps' Journey

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The Sharps' Journey

Follow Waitstill and Martha as they travel Europe undercover, saving refugees from Prague to Paris.

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Defying The Nazis
Defying The Nazis

Ken Burns reveals American couple’s secret mission in 1939 to help refugees escape Nazis.

Ken Burns Collection
Ken Burns Collection

Explore American History with the stunning works of award winning filmmaker Ken Burns.

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