Maida Purdy, Academic Advisor III for the Department of Art and Art History in Florida International University’s College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA), has reached a remarkable milestone with her book A Sky Never Forgotten, now officially accepted into the Library of Congress. The recognition places Purdy’s work among the nation’s most significant cultural and historical records, ensuring that the voices captured in her book will be preserved for generations to come.
A Sky Never Forgotten chronicles the World War II experiences of Purdy’s father, Robert B. Purdy, a B-24 co-pilot who later became a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft I. While Purdy had long known fragments of his story, the book grew out of a pivotal moment in 1996, when her husband suggested recording her father’s memories on video.
Through recorded interviews, letters, and personal reflections, A Sky Never Forgotten captures firsthand accounts that might otherwise have been lost. The book highlights the value of preserving lived experiences and transforming them into accessible narratives for future readers, researchers, and historians.
Acceptance into the Library of Congress, specifically through its Special Acquisitions division, was both humbling and deeply personal for Purdy.
“My father’s voice, his recorded memories, and his letters from the POW camp will now be preserved permanently as part of America’s historical record,” she said. “Knowing that his story will be available to researchers, historians, and future generations is the ultimate way to honor his service and sacrifice.”
Purdy’s work as an author has also shaped the way she supports students in her advising role. The process of listening, transcribing, and honoring individual voices has reinforced the importance of careful attention to each student’s story and goals.
“Writing this book changed the way I work with students,” Purdy explained. “It helped me see how important it is to listen carefully and value each student’s unique voice.” She encourages students to seek out real stories, explore primary sources, engage with family histories, and document memories that might otherwise be lost.
Having grown up in Cuba before moving to the United States, Purdy understands how opportunity and access can influence creative paths. Publishing independently allowed her to maintain creative control while holding herself to professional standards, an experience she now shares with students interested in pursuing their own work.
Her advice to aspiring authors and creatives reflects the message at the heart of her book: “Never give up on your dreams, whether now or later. These are your dreams—defend them as much as you can. If someone tells you, you can’t, don’t listen. Yes, you can. And remember, the sky is the limit.”
Through A Sky Never Forgotten, Maida Purdy exemplifies CARTA’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and impact, proving that powerful stories, when preserved and shared, can connect generations and shape our collective future.
