Imagine a history teacher whose passion for storytelling unearthed one of World War II’s most moving moments—meet Matthew A. Rozell! This award-winning American historian and educator has spent decades preserving the voices of veterans and Holocaust survivors, turning their experiences into gripping narratives that resonate worldwide. His work, especially the bestselling A Train Near Magdeburg, has not only educated generations but also sparked emotional reunions between survivors and their liberators.
Rozell’s journey began with a simple classroom project that grew into a global mission to honor the past. Through his World War II Living History Project, he’s become a beacon of historical remembrance, blending meticulous research with heartfelt storytelling. Ready to dive into his remarkable story?
The Making of Matthew A. Rozell
Born in upstate New York, Matthew Rozell developed a love for history early on, inspired by the stories of everyday people who shaped the world. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in education from the State University of New York, setting the stage for a career that would blend teaching with storytelling. As a high school history teacher in Hudson Falls, New York, Rozell founded the World War II Living History Project in the 1980s, encouraging students to interview veterans and preserve their stories. What started as a local initiative soon revealed a hidden chapter of history that would define his legacy.
Matthew A. Rozell’s Unforgettable Stories
Rozell’s books are a testament to the power of oral history, capturing the raw, human side of World War II and the Holocaust. His bestselling A Train Near Magdeburg (2016) recounts the 1945 liberation of a Nazi death train by American soldiers, weaving together survivor testimonies, liberator accounts, and wartime letters. The book’s vivid narrative and never-before-published photos bring to life a moment of hope amidst horror, culminating in reunions decades later.
His acclaimed series, The Things Our Fathers Saw (10 volumes), dives into the experiences of veterans across theaters of war, from the Pacific to D-Day. Each volume is a mosaic of first-hand accounts, showcasing Rozell’s knack for letting voices shine without overshadowing them. His style is intimate and unembellished, like a conversation over coffee, making complex history accessible and deeply personal. Rozell’s young adult adaptation, A Train Near Magdeburg, further broadens his reach, ensuring younger readers connect with these lessons.
His work doesn’t just inform—it heals. By sharing these stories, Rozell fosters understanding and remembrance, proving that history is not just about dates but about people. His books are rich with primary sources, maps, and illustrations, making them essential for history buffs and educators alike.
Why Matthew A. Rozell Matters
Matthew Rozell’s impact transcends the page. His World War II Living History Project has reunited over 275 Holocaust survivors with the American soldiers who freed them, creating moments of healing and gratitude across three continents. His efforts have earned him accolades like the New York State Education Department’s Yavner Teaching Award and recognition as ABC World News’ Person of the Week. Rozell’s work reminds us that one teacher’s curiosity can change lives, bridging past and present to combat Holocaust denial and inspire future generations.
By donating a portion of his book proceeds to veterans’ outreach and Holocaust education, Rozell continues to “heal the world,” as he puts it. His upcoming documentary based on A Train Near Magdeburg promises to amplify this legacy, ensuring these stories endure.
- Born: Upstate New York
- Key Works: A Train Near Magdeburg, The Things Our Fathers Saw series
- Awards: Yavner Teaching Award, ABC World News Person of the Week
- Notable Project: World War II Living History Project
Ready to explore history through a master storyteller’s lens? Grab A Train Near Magdeburg and step into Matthew A. Rozell’s world of courage, compassion, and connection!