About the Book

The untold story of the three intelligent and glamorous young women who accompanied their famous fathers to the Yalta Conference in February 1945, and of the conference’s fateful reverberations in the waning days of World War II.
 
Tensions during the Yalta Conference in February 1945 threatened to tear apart the wartime alliance among Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin just as victory was close at hand. Catherine Grace Katz uncovers the dramatic story of the three young women who were chosen by their fathers to travel with them to Yalta, each bound by fierce family loyalty, political savvy, and intertwined romances that powerfully colored these crucial days.

Kathleen Harriman was a champion skier, war correspondent, and daughter of U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union Averell Harriman. Sarah Churchill, an actress-turned-RAF officer, was devoted to her brilliant father, who depended on her astute political mind. Roosevelt’s only daughter, Anna, chosen instead of her mother Eleanor to accompany the president to Yalta, arrived there as keeper of her father’s most damaging secrets. Situated in the political maelstrom that marked the transition to a post- war world, The Daughters of Yalta is a remarkable story of fathers and daughters whose relationships were tested and strengthened by the history they witnessed and the future they crafted together.

 

Print copies, ebooks and digital audiobooks for free download are available HERE in our catalog

 

About Catherine Grace Katz

Catherine Grace Katz is a writer and historian from Chicago. She graduated from Harvard in 2013 with a BA in History and received her MPhil in Modern European History from Christ’s College, University of Cambridge in 2014, where she wrote her dissertation on the origins of modern counterintelligence practices. After graduating, Catherine worked in finance in New York City before a very fortuitous visit to the book store in the lobby of her office in Manhattan led her to return to history and writing. She received her JD from Harvard Law School in May 2023. The Daughters of Yalta is her first book.

 

2024 Programs

Venues and Registration

Please note venue(s) for each event:

• In Person  • YouTube Streaming  • Zoom

Registration is required for some events as noted. For Youtube Streaming events, you are welcome to join us in person or stream live on: www.youtube.com/framinghampubliclibrary.
 
Women in Power (Kickoff Event) 
Thursday, March 21, 7PM | McAuliffe Branch Library, Community Room
Join Susan Petroni, Public Information Officer, and her guests State Representatives Danielle Gregoire, Priscila Sousa, and Kate Donaghue to discuss women in politics today.
 

K-Pop Swing Dance • In Person

Saturday, March 20, 2PM |  Main Library, Costin Room | Grades 6-12

Celebrate the trends of the 1940's and the music of today by learning some West Coast Swing dance set to K-Pop music! The Dancing Fools teach an hour long dance lesson followed by some free dance time to practice your new moves. Space is limited! Register here.

 

Storywalk: “Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizabeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars” by Laurie Wallmark

April 1-30 | Cushing Memorial Park | All Ages

Decode the story of Elizebeth Friedman, the cryptologist who took down gangsters and Nazi spies in this picture book biography. 

 
The Great American Songbook: Art Reception & Concert • In Person 
Saturday, April 6, 2:30-4:30PM | Main Library, Gallery & Costin Room
Reception for the art of Edward Brodney on loan to the library from Framingham State University 
 
In this concert, the highly acclaimed Mike Fritz Quartet plays many of the greatest tunes from the Great American Songbook, composed by Cole Porter, George and Iran Gershwin, Jerome Kern and many others. In addition, the quartet demonstrates how the Great American Songbook served as the bedrock foundation upon which modern jazz was built. 
 
The "Great American Songbook" is the canon of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century that have stood the test of time in their life and legacy. Often referred to as "American Standards," the songs published during the Golden Age of this genre include those popular and enduring tunes from the 1920s to the 1960s that were created for Broadway theatre, musical theatre, and Hollywood musical film.
 
Framingham Reads Together Book Discussion: The Daughters of Yalta • In Person • Zoom
Tuesday, April 9, 7PM | Main Library, Costin Room
Join us for a discussion of our Framingham Reads Together book The Daughters of Yalta led by Framingham Public Library Trustee Jan Harrington.
 
The Greatest SUPER Generation • In Person 
Thursday April 11, 7PM | Main Library, Technology Learning Center | Ages 12+

Captain America. Superman. Wonder Woman. It was during the course of WWII that these and other icons of pop culture first gained their mighty momentum within their original medium of comic books. So join us as we discuss the rise of the Super Hero in the Golden Age of comics and how they were shaped forevermore by the events of the Big One. Then, have fun with some hands-on comic book and character creativity while the original film exploits of a certain Star-Spangled Avenger are shown on screen! Be there or be square.

 

Victory Garden: ‘Peas’ on Earth • In Person 
Tuesday, April 16, 2PM | McAuliffe Branch Library, Craft Room & Garden | All Ages

Learn about the history of Victory Gardens while we plant peas and other vegetables in our very own McAuliffe Gardens! Then browse our Seed Library to start your own Victory Garden at home. 

 

Through Their Eyes: Artifacts & Stories of Framingham’s Role in World War II • In Person 

Framingham Reads Together Partner Event with Framingham History Center

Thursday, April 16, 7PM | Village Hall on the Common

Join us for a captivating journey back in time as the Framingham History Center presents "Through Their Eyes: Artifacts & Stories of Framingham’s Role in World War II." Explore the multifaceted narratives of World War II, from the home front to the battlefront, through personal letters, military uniforms, photographs, and other ephemera from the FHC’s extensive 10,000-piece archive and artifact collection.

 

Discover the stories of resilience, sacrifice, and hope as the FHC highlights themes of immigration, community mobilization, and the everyday lives of those who lived through the turmoil. Led by FHC Executive Director Anna Tucker, this talk aims to inspire reflection on the impacts of war on individuals and communities, inviting attendees to connect with the past in a profound and personal way.

 

Art Noletti Film Series: The 39 Steps • In Person 

Wednesday, April 17, 1PM |  Main Library, Costin Room 

Get an introduction to Hitchcock’s film The 39 Steps, a screening, and a post-screening discussion led by Dr. Arthur Nolletti, Jr., Professor Emeritus of English and Film Studies at FSU.

 

Arsenal of Democracy: The War Effort on the Home Front • In Person 

Wednesday, April 17, 7PM |  Main Library, Costin Room

On December 29,1940, President Roosevelt addresses the nation with one of his famous fireside chats, “Great Arsenal of Democracy,”. Almost a year later Pearl Harbor is attacked, and the United States enters World War 2. President Roosevelt even at that time is addressing the concerns of the Nazis and Imperial Japan. It called upon America to be prepared for an emergency in case the Axis powers threatened the US. Calling upon our industry to prepare for defense of the nation. When the US declared war on Japan and Germany by February 1942 America’s industry had switched to war production virtually overnight.

 

Jim Carroll is a Learning and Development professional at Comcast NBCUniversal with over 26 years of experience training adult learners. He is also the American Heritage Museum’s Education Coordinator, ramping up and developing their educational programs for visitors of all ages for the past two years. He graduated from Fitchburg State College with a B.A. Ed. in History Education. He started as a high school History teacher before moving on to the National Park Service. He served at both Lowell NHP and Minuteman NHP developing educational programs and museum workshops at the Tsongas Industrial History Center in Lowell, MA. His community contributions have included serving as a member of the Lowell Historical Society and until recently the Sterling Historical Commission Board Member.

 

Intermediate Kids’ Sewing Workshop: Aprons • In Person 
Thursday, April 18, 1PM | McAuliffe Branch Library, Community Room | Grades 4-8

Make an apron and learn about Julia Child during WW2 creating her “first” recipe. Take home a 1940’s recipe to make later! Space and supplies are limited. Register here

 

Reflecting on the Yalta Conference:  Success or Failure? • In Person 

Thursday, April 18, 7PM | Main Library, Costin Room

Join Dr. David Smailes, Associate Professor of Political Science at FSU, to discuss the Yalta Conference and address some fundamental questions about the meeting of the “Big Three” (Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin). We cover why the Yalta Conference was called, the goals the three leaders hoped to achieve and the Conference, and an evaluation of whether the Conference achieved those goals.  We will also reflect on how the death of President Franklin Roosevelt changed the political landscape following the Yalta meeting.

 

FRT Presents: Daughters of Yalta Author Talk with Catherine Grace Katz • In Person 

Saturday, April 20, 10AM | Barbieri Elementary School

Come for a talk with The Daughters of Yalta author Catherine Grace Katz.

 

Intermediate Kids’ Sewing Workshop: Aprons • In Person 
Saturday, April 20, 2PM | Main Library, Spark Lab | Grades 4-8

Make an apron and learn about Julia Child during WW2 creating her “first” recipe. Take home a 1940’s recipe to make later! Space and supplies are limited. Register now!

 

Art Noletti Film Series: Notorious • In Person 

Wednesday, April 24, 1PM | Main Library, Costin Room

Get an introduction to Hitchcock’s film Notorious, a screening, and a post-screening discussion led by Dr. Arthur Nolletti, Jr., Professor Emeritus of English and Film Studies at FSU.

 

Code Breaking • In Person 
Wednesday, April 24, 6PM | Main Library, Spark Lab  | Ages 8+

Learn about code breakers throughout World Wars and how to decipher codes. 

 

McAuliffe Branch Library Morning Book Discussion: The Daughters of Yalta • In Person  • Zoom

Thursday, April 25, 10AM | McAuliffe Branch Library, Community Room

 

Greater Worcester Opera Presents the Sounds of the 1940’s  • In Person • YouTube Streaming

Sunday, April 28, 3PM | Main Library, Costin Room

Greater Worcester Opera presents beautiful, meaningful, and sometimes a bit silly, music from the 1940's. Springing from the joys and sorrows of wartime, this music expressed the heart and soul of those who found themselves in difficult times, doing their duty and longing for peace. Featuring our wonderful singers, accompanied by Olga Rogach and narrated by Aldo Fabrizi.

 

What is Framingham Reads Together?
Framingham Reads Together (FRT) is a city-wide reading, discussion, and activity program that invites citizens to read the same book at the same time. FRT aims to bring the community together through shared experiences and special events. Every two years the Framingham Public Library and local partner institutions host a series of exciting and educational events for adults and children, such as talks, films, book discussions, music, art exhibits, panel discussions, displays, scientific demonstrations, and other activities, all based on a book and a theme to be selected.
All programs are free and open to the public, except where noted.