
York’s World War II History
Our World War II Briefings program is biannual. The program dates fall closely with Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) in May and August. York has a rich history connected to World War II. York Native, Jacob L. Devers was a four-star general during the War and commanded the 6th Army Group. Additionally, we can’t forget to mention the York Plan an initiative that York businessmen banded together for the war effort to create a variety of things.
Our next session is May 4 and will feature speakers Richard Robinson, Tina Charles, and WW2 Veteran Frank Cohn.
Please note some intense and serious themes.
Register for Our May Program

World War II Briefings
Speakers will include Richard Robinson, Tina Charles, and WW2 Veteran Frank Cohn.
Program Details
- Tickets are $15 for nonmembers and $10 for members
- Enjoy light refreshments
- Hear from veterans and historians
- View World War II related artifacts from the collection or archives
More about our speakers
Tina Charles
Ms. Charles has a deep-rooted passion for genealogy. Through that passion she has shed light on many folks who have been overlooked by history. In her presentation she focuses on Black Veterans from York..
Col. Frank Cohn
Col. Cohn’s family fled Nazi persecution, but Frank was turned down as an enemy alien when he tried to enlist. Drafted shortly after, Frank would serve with 12th US Army Group Intelligence and stayed in the Army after the war, retiring as a Colonel.
Richard Robinson
Mr. Robinson has studied the General Jacob Devers Collection at the History Center while preparing an exhaustive new biography. He will speak on Devers’ liberation of the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau and rescue of Allied POWs.
This program session is in collaboration with York JCC.
JCC Members will receive member discount for tickets, a discount code will be supplied to JCC members. This code is not yet available.