Robert K. Wittman—an author, art consultant, and retired FBI special agent— has spent his career investigating cultural property crime. During his 20-year career with the FBI, he recovered more than $300 million worth of stolen art and cultural property. His latest book, The Devil’s Diary: Alfred Rosenberg and the Stolen Secrets of the Third Reich (HarperCollins, 2016, coauthored with David Kinney), chronicles this intrepid investigator’s dramatic recovery of Rosenberg’s long-lost diary.
Alfred Rosenberg came to Adolf Hitler’s inner circle having made a name for himself spreading toxic ideas about Jews throughout Germany. His 500-page diary—which provides insights into the inner workings of the Nazi regime as well as a glimpse into the mind of a man whose philosophy set the stage for the Holocaust—was first examined during the Nuremberg war crimes trials. But after Rosenberg was convicted, sentenced, and executed, it mysteriously vanished.
Wittman will discuss the decade-long hunt— its twisting path of leads, clues, and secrets— for this vitally important historical document.
Admission to the lecture is free. Seating is limited; no reservations required.