Lost Voices of the Great War: Summit County in the First World War

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Journey back in time to discover the personal stories of Summit County residents whose lives were forever changed by World War I.

Drawing from newly uncovered letters, diaries, and firsthand accounts, Fleischer and Motter bring to life the experiences of soldiers, Akron nurses, immigrants, Goodyear factory workers, and community leaders who lived through one of history’s most transformative periods.

The event features a screening of the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary "Lost Voices of the Great War," followed by a presentation, and Q&A with the editors. Through these remarkable personal accounts, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how the Great War and industrial change shaped both Summit County and the 20th century.

Victor Fleischer in blazer and blue shirt posed before shelves of military history booksToivo Motter in blue suit and tie posed against a gray studio background

"Lost Voices of the Great War: Summit County in the First World War" by Editors S. Victor Fleischer and Toivo Motter

Meet the Editors:

S. Victor Fleischer holds a BA and MA in American history and an MLIS from Kent State University. He has worked as a professional archivist for over twenty-five years and currently serves as university archivist, head of Archives & Special Collections, and professor of bibliography at The University of Akron. He has published numerous scholarly articles in professional journals. His first book, "The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: A Photographic History," was published in 2020. He was an associate editor and contributor to "Hail We Akron!" and lead researcher and co-producer of the Emmy-nominated documentary "Lost Voices of the Great War."

Toivo Motter has worked in the education and instructional design/media fields for over twenty years. In 2018, he established and led a county-wide World War I commemoration project that initiated new research, joint programming, and the production of the Emmy-nominated, PBS-aired documentary film "Lost Voices of the Great War." Toivo holds an MS in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in educational technology from Cleveland State University and a BS in social studies education with a sub-major in history and geography from Kent State University.

Victor Fleischer and Toivo Motter will sign copies of their book, "Lost Voices of the Great War: Summit County in the First World War," following the event. Copies will be available for purchase, while supplies last, through the University of Akron Press.