Daughter of WWII Female Codebreaker to Speak at RPL September 15, 2026

SALISBURY, NC – When Gretchen Witt heard Julia Beard Garrett speak about her mother’s experience as a codebreaker in World War II, she immediately wanted to share the story with Rowan County. 

“I found the topic especially interesting because Elizabeth and Julia's family, the Beards, have an historic connection to Rowan County. However, I also thought it was important, especially during the celebration of America 250, that we remember how women contributed to the war effort. There is also a tendency to emphasize the events in the European Theatre, neglecting the Pacific Theatre,” explains Witt, supervisor of Rowan Public Library’s Edith M. Clark History Room. 

This Tuesday, Sept. 15, the community can hear the compelling story of Lydia Elizabeth Beard (known to most as Elizabeth) firsthand. 

“Quiet Hero of WWII: An Account of Elizabeth Beard, Navy Code Breaker” will be held at RPL Headquarters, located at 201 W. Fisher St. in Salisbury. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., and doors open at 6:00 p.m. All ages are welcome, and light refreshments will follow. 

During WWII, thousands of women were recruited and trained to become cryptographers (code makers) and cryptanalysts (code breakers) for the US Army and Navy. While their work on behalf of the US and Allied Forces was critical, many of their stories have been lost due to the strict secrecy that shrouded their contributions to the war effort. 

Garrett only learned of her mother’s work as a codebreaker after her mother’s death. Garrett credits journalist and writer Liza Mundy’s nonfiction book, “Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II,” published in 2017, for helping her piece together the story while going through her mother’s papers. That research led to the traveling presentation she has now delivered to groups across the country. 

“It’s really a fascinating story,” says Witt. “And Julia’s presentation is so engaging and educational. I really hope the community will take advantage of this chance to hear her share her research – the story has such a broad appeal.” 

Witt notes that the program will particularly appeal to those interested in history, war history, WWII, cryptology (the field that includes both making and breaking codes), women’s history, family history, and biographies.

Visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call Witt at 704-216-8232 to learn more. 

Press Contact:
Sydney Smith Hamrick
RPL East Branch Manager
Sydney.Hamrick@rowancountync.gov
704-216-7841
www.rowanpubliclibrary.org

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