Title: Chicago Siblings Uncover Their Family’s Connection to the Manhattan Project Upon Release of ‘Oppenheimer’
As millions of Americans flock to theaters this weekend to watch Oppenheimer, a thought-provoking film about the Manhattan Project, the Fragassi siblings from Chicago are reminiscing about their family’s deep ties to this historic endeavor.
Selena and Joe Fragassi recently discovered that their grandfather played a key role in the development of the world’s first nuclear weapons, working on the service side of the project. Selena, a freelance writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, shared their family’s newfound connection to the Manhattan Project in a captivating article published in 2020.
The Fragassi siblings were initially unaware of their grandfather’s involvement until they stumbled upon a treasure trove of letters and photographs after his passing. As Joe recalled, he stumbled upon these poignant artifacts during his high school years, unearthing a wealth of photos depicting their grandparents’ time at Los Alamos in the mid-1940s.
With each passing year, Joe and Selena gained more insight into their grandfather’s life, thanks to their father and uncle who filled in the gaps left by Joe’s initial discovery.
Fred and Clara, Joe and Selena’s grandparents, met in Evanston and tied the knot in 1937. When World War II caused a downturn in the local job market, Fred and Clara sought new opportunities elsewhere. Fred’s sister Josephine and her husband Marty were residing in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where Marty served with the U.S. Army. It was Marty who extended an invitation to Fred to work on the highly secretive Manhattan Project.
Although Clara returned home early on due to agoraphobia, she and Fred maintained a vibrant long-distance relationship through heartfelt letters, always sealed with a kiss.
Selena revealed that Fred served as the chair of the supply warehouse for the project, working alongside scientists and meticulously keeping track of materials. Despite Fred’s desire to participate in the war effort, a minor health condition classified him as 4-F, rendering him ineligible for combat.
Within the letters they exchanged, Fred shared details of his experiences, including references to the Trinity test just weeks before the devastating attack on Nagasaki in 1945. However, Fred and Clara never divulged any classified information, with the couple discussing a test that had been reported in the news due to a fatality.
Selena shed light on the mementos left behind, offering glimpses into life at Los Alamos, which aligns with the portrayal showcased in Oppenheimer. She highlighted the rapid construction of the town, specifically mentioning that her grandfather even played on a baseball team, demonstrating that recreational activities were not amiss amidst the intense work.
Having both watched Oppenheimer, Joe and Selena were captivated by the film’s gravity and its depiction of life at Los Alamos. Selena emphasized the unique personal connection they shared with the Manhattan Project, acknowledging that their grandparents may not have fully comprehended the significance of their contribution since they lacked security clearance.
Joe echoed this sentiment, stating that the film’s impact extends beyond their personal connection, as it resonates with anyone who has experienced the effects of war or grappled with the complexities of being human.
Oppenheimer was released nationwide on Friday, allowing viewers across the country to explore the untold stories and personal connections to one of history’s most secretive and impactful projects.
In conclusion, the Fragassi siblings’ recollection of their family’s involvement in the Manhattan Project adds a personal touch to the release of Oppenheimer, shedding light on the dedication and sacrifice of those who were part of this momentous scientific endeavor.
