The German American Bund and the Nazi Spy from New Jersey

While researching his graduate thesis topic, the German American Bund (an organization of ethnic Germans living in the United States, marked by a pro-Nazi stance), presenter James Calaski came across documents in the FBI files regarding a resident of Glen Rock, New Jersey (Bergen County) named Carl Schiphorst who lived there during the 1930s.  He was a leader of the Bergen County unit of the German American Bund as well as the target of a 145 page FBI investigation suspecting Schiphorst of being a Nazi agent/spy.  For over a decade, James used his law enforcement background to research the investigation into Shiphorst and other Bund members.  

Join Calaski as he presents the thrilling story about the German American Bund, and highlights  the FBI investigation, internment, and ultimate repatriation to Germany, an often untold story which illustrates the plight of thousands of German families during WWII.  This talk includes reportage of Nazi espionage activities in NJ.

James Calaski is an active Detective Sergeant with the Glen Rock NJ Police Department where he has served for over 25 years. He completed his undergraduate studies at William Paterson University of New Jersey in 1998. He served with the Glen Rock New Jersey Police Department for over twenty years, receiving numerous awards and citations. He continued his studies and received a Master of Arts degree in History at William Paterson University of New Jersey in May 2013.

D/Sgt. Calaski first presented his findings to the public in conjunction with the Glen Rock Historical & Preservation Society in April 2015 and has been presenting to historical societies, libraries, civic organizations and other groups ever since.  As a historian with over 25 years of law enforcement and investigative experience, Calaski brings a unique and entertaining perspective to historic lectures and examinations of a range of topics that include military, espionage, crimes and genealogy.

This program is open to all and is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.