Local historian, Bob Begins returns for Part II, shifting focus from Lawrence of Arabia to Gertrude Bell. Bell was born into an elite family and became particularly interested in the Middle East where she traveled extensively, interacted with Bedouin and Arab leaders, and came to speak several languages including Arabic and Persian. During WWI, she provided intelligence for the British forces and, alongside T.E. Lawrence, agitated for the cause of self-government for Arab peoples which earned her the moniker of Queen of the Desert. While the dream of independence was not realized in her lifetime, she still represents a fascinating figure who crossed many boundaries and restrictions of her time.

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