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Gary Wiltscheck: The Story of Sr. Adelaide Koetter

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$216
Project of
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative Legacy Grant SFY 2012 - SFY 2013
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
November 2012
End Date
March 2013
Activity Type
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Counties Affected
Brown
Brown
Project Overview
Independent historian Gary Wiltscheck conducted an hour-long PowerPoint presentation based on the information in his booklet “The Story of Sr. Adelaide Koetter.” Sr. Adelaide grew up in Freeport, MN, and became a missionary nun on Kariru Island off the coast of New Guinea. On March 17, 1943, she was one of about 40 people killed by Japanese soldiers. Gary shared photos taken by and letters from Sr. Adelaide during her mission to supplement his presentation. In addition, Gary discussed Lt. James McMurria, who crossed paths with Sr. Adelaide in the South Pacific and went on to be captured by the Japanese and held as a prisoner of war for 1,000 days. Gary took questions and visited with attendees after the formal program.
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2011 Chapter 6, Article 4, Subdivision 4
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$216
Other Funds Leveraged
$180
Direct expenses
$396
Administration costs
$5
Number of full time equivalents funded
0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

It was expected that a majority of survey respondents would indicate they would learn something about Sr. Adelaide Koetter and Lt. James McMurria, and gain a greater understanding of World War II events in the South Pacific.

Measurable Outcome(s)

27 people attended. 59 % of attendees responded to a survey. Of those, 100 % indicated that they learned something about Sr. Adelaide Koetter and Lt. James McMurria. In addition, all respondents indicated this program helped them gain a greater understanding of World War II events in the South Pacific. This librarian observed attendees quietly listening throughout the program and asking questions after the formal presentation. Several attendees moved to the edge of their seats when maps were shown indicating the location of events in the South Pacific. Anecdotal responses included: “I knew nothing about this story before this evening;” “Was wonderful and very interesting!” and “Really enjoyed!!”

Source of Additional Funds

Gary Wiltscheck, Brown County Historical Society, New Ulm Community Access Television, local businesses and media outlets, New Ulm Public Library

Project Manager
First Name
Dayle
Last Name
Zelenka
Organization Name
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative
Street Address
1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 622
City
Mankato
State
MN
Zip Code
56002
Phone
(507)625-6169
Email
dzelen@tds.lib.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by

Minnesota Department of Education

Location

1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone
651-582-8200
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