Witness History

In September 1935, the Nuremberg Laws were introduced in Nazi Germany.In 1938, seven-year-old Lotte Hershfield and her family left their home in Breslau, which was part of Germany and is now known as Wroclaw in Poland.Their journey took them across continents by ship, train and on horse and cart.They eventually arrived in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, one of the few places welcoming Jewish refugees fleeing persecution. As they rebuilt their lives, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbour and, soon after, invaded the Philippines. When United States forces eventually reclaimed the islands, Lotte and her family once again packed up their lives, this time settling in Baltimore, Maryland.Now aged 94, Lotte has been sharing the memories of her life in Manila with Megan Jones. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.(Photo: Lotte Hershfield. Credit: Lotte Hershfield)

Beverley Bass, the first female captain appointed by American Airlines, shares her unforgettable experience on September 11, 2001, while flying over the North Atlantic. She recounts how her flight was diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, which suddenly doubled its population. The kindness of Gander's residents shone brightly as they provided food, shelter, and entertainment to nearly 7,000 stranded passengers without asking for anything in return. Beverley highlights the extraordinary humanity that emerged during this time of crisis and the lasting impact of these acts of generosity.

Laurence J. Peter, a Canadian teacher and psychologist, shares the origins of his satirical masterpiece, The Peter Principle. He discusses how the premise that employees are promoted until they hit their level of incompetence resonates across workplaces. With humor, he reflects on the dynamics of promotions and the often comical pitfalls of managerial roles. This exploration not only critiques traditional management theories but also highlights the broader social implications of incompetence in various professional settings.

On 23 March 1933, the Enabling Act was passed in Germany, handing Adolf Hitler unchecked power. It became the legal foundation of his dictatorship.But in that moment, one voice spoke in defiance.Otto Wels, chairman of the Social Democratic Party, stood alone in the Reichstag: “Freedom and life can be taken away from us, but not honour.”His words were the last to be spoken freely in the German parliament.This is the story of the speeches that day, taken from recordings inside the Reichstag.Produced and presented by Gill Kearsley.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.(Photo: The Reichstag on 23 March 1933. Credit: Getty Images)

Viola Burley Leak, an African American artist who showcased her work at Nigeria's monumental 1977 festival, shares vibrant stories from this cultural extravaganza. She recounts the spectacular opening ceremony and the electric atmosphere that celebrated Pan-African heritage. The conversation touches on the social tensions present, including critiques of the military dictatorship and the artistic responses it provoked. Viola's reflections illuminate how Festac '77 became a symbol of resistance and a critical moment for African arts amidst a charged political landscape.

Milda Mitkutė, a Lithuanian entrepreneur and co-founder of Vinted, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a late-night idea into a thriving online marketplace for second-hand clothing. She discusses the early challenges, including forgetting the ‘buy’ button, and how a new strategy revitalized their brand. Milda also highlights Vinted's rapid growth into a global platform, its significance in promoting sustainable fashion, and the personal values that drive their mission.

In this captivating discussion, Professor Pernilla Dahm-Kähler, a trailblazer in obstetrics, shares her experience as part of the groundbreaking medical team that facilitated the world's first womb transplant baby, Vincent. She details the emotional journey of Malin Stenberg, who received the donated womb, overcoming challenges of IVF and surgical complexities. The conversation culminates with a heartwarming perspective from ten-year-old Vincent, who reflects on the significance of this medical breakthrough and the hope it brings to countless women seeking parenthood.

Discover the Chindits, the unconventional special forces of World War II, who operated behind enemy lines in Burma with innovative tactics. Led by the eccentric Orde Wingate, their strategies forever changed modern warfare. Relive their daring guerrilla missions and the camaraderie that defined their legacy, alongside fascinating anecdotes that mix humor with the gravity of war. These extraordinary soldiers navigated the jungles with courage, leaving an indelible mark on military history.

The founding of USAID marks a pivotal moment in international aid, driven by the visionary economist Barbara Ward. Discover how her insights shaped U.S. foreign assistance during the Cold War, particularly through projects like the Volta River Dam in Ghana. Archival recordings reveal the conversations with President Kennedy, illuminating strategies to combat totalitarianism. This intriguing narrative connects pivotal historical events and influential figures, showcasing the evolution of global aid in the context of geopolitical tensions.

In 1985, the Titanic’s wreck was uncovered in the North Atlantic, bringing a profound emotional journey for the explorers. They were drawn to the haunting remains, from debris to recognizable features like large boilers. Personal survivor accounts shared harrowing experiences from that fateful night, emphasizing the human stories behind the tragedy. The discussion reflects on the Titanic's historical impact and the importance of preserving such narratives to honor those lost.