Roosevelt’s Science Trust discussion continues Nov. 10

Historian Paul Sparrow and physicist Fred Dylla will present part two of their FDR Fireside Chat about Roosevelt’s Science Trust, at 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10, in the library’s fireplace area, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, and online via Zoom.

It has been said the invention of radar won World War II, and the A-bomb ended the war. Part one of the discussion introduced a small group of men who became Roosevelt’s scientific trust. They advised and managed the efforts to mobilize the U.S. scientific community for the rapid development of key inventions needed to win the war.

In this lecture, Sparrow and Dylla will delve deeper into the history of the secret development of the first atomic weapon under the guise of the Manhattan Project. The major personalities, physicist Robert Oppenheimer and Gen. Leslie Groves, were reintroduced to the public in the 2023 blockbuster film, “Oppenheimer.” This presentation will tell the behind-the-scenes story of how Roosevelt’s key scientific advisors, Vannevar Bush and James Conant, managed the complex orchestration of scientific, engineering and industrial resources to develop the weapon that ended World War II.

Sparrow is former director of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Dylla is executive director emeritus of the American Institute of Physics.

Seating is limited, and registration is required. At registration, participants will be asked to select in-person or online attendance. To register, go to lewes.lib.de.us or call 302-645-2733.