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CRM Virtual Speaker Series: Courageous Dissent – How Harry Bingham Defied His Government to Save Lives
June 8, 2021 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10
Connecticut River Museum Talks with special guest Robert Kim Bingham, Retired Federal Attorney, US Department of Justice and US Department of Homeland Security.
Courageous Dissent is the first book published about America’s unsung diplomat hero Hiram (Harry) Bingham IV, the author’s father, who was in charge of issuing visas to America and freedom while stationed as a US vice-consul in Marseilles, France, just before World War II. It captures Bingham’s compelling story of placing humanity above his career during the early days of the Holocaust. Bingham defied his government’s restrictive immigration policies by running an underground railroad out of his villa. Both Jewish and non-Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler sought life-saving visas from Bingham during 1940-41. The book also reveals Bingham’s private life after resigning from the Foreign Service in 1945 when he was passed over for promotions. It recounts the author’s campaign to obtain a U.S. commemorative stamp bearing his father’s image issued in 2006 depicting Bingham as a ‘Distinguished American Diplomat.’, and his posthumous awarding of the ‘Constructive Dissent’ award on June 27, 2002.
Robert Kim Bingham, Sr. retired as a federal attorney in July 2009 after serving 37 years in the General Counsels offices of the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He graduated from Groton School in 1960, Yale University in 1965, and Boston University School of Law in 1968. In 1998, he launched a stamp campaign for his late father Hiram (“Harry”) Bingham IV, which resulted in the unveiling of a U.S. postage stamp bearing his father’s image as a “Distinguished American Diplomat.” His father was officially honored on Capitol Hill Washington on May 27, 2006 for his role as a WWII rescuer in Marseilles, France during 1940-1941. Kim has authored two books: “COURAGEOUS DISSENT: How Harry Bingham Defied His Government to Save Lives;” and “BECOMING AN AMERICAN: The legal Process.” Kim and his wife Anne Carr Bingham live in Salem. They have two children, Alexandra and Robert Kim Bingham, Jr., and five young-adult grandchildren.”
The Connecticut River Museum may record this webinar, including all questions, comments, etc. by the audience. By participating, you agree to allow the recording to be posted on the Connecticut River Museum’s website, Facebook page, Instagram feed, and other media. Please consider a donation to support CRM. If you have already donated, thank you for your support.
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Members $5.00
Non-Members $10.00
