March 9, 2017
Today most of us had the opportunity to attend a tour of the Resistance Museum (in Dutch, Verzetsmuseum). All of the graduate students were required to visit, but most of the undergraduates chose to go as well. Holocaust survivors Maud Dahme and Dan Kochavi went with us, which made it more special. Although the museum appears small and simple, it is packed with important artifacts. and a complex , deep, and sometimes critical treatment of various forms of wartime resistance. What makes it unique from other museums of its kind is the interactive quality of each piece. The museum is engaging for all ages as well as for the informative historical content supported, Audio guides help to enhance understanding of the information. A theme that ran through the entire exhibit was "choices:" how did individuals decide how to react to changing circumstances during the German occupation? What actions did they take, and why? We were all jet-lagged and tired, but it was worth the effort.
*Exhibits of Posters and Documents
I believe that "choices" was a great theme for this exhibit. Were the choices that you all found out more on the good side or bad? Of course it is hard to remain positive amongst such negative situations but still some persevered. It would have been great to visit with the survivors so that the information learned could become a bit more real being as though you have living proof in the same rom.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing that you had two Holocaust survivors with you for the tour; I can't imagine the way the exhibit must have made them feel. To have endured so much and continued on... Quite inspiring.
ReplyDeleteAnd "choices" is such an interesting theme. It probes at bigger questions that impact us all.
Great pictures! It must have been a life-changing trip to go on.
It must have been amazing, yet emotional, to visit the museum with two Holocaust survivors. The Resistance Museum sounds like a quaint museum with many hidden components. I like that at the museum is interactive, that adds another level of meaning to the pieces. The theme of choices, I feel, makes the museum relatable to the choices we face daily. Of course there is no true comparison to what Maud Dahme and Dan Kochavi experienced, but it puts choices into perspective. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience to have not one, but two Holocaust survivors with you on this tour. I bet it was a very emotional time for everyone, and especially for the survivors. As you said, the museum appears small, but it has a lot of meaning with the different artifacts. I also love the "choices" theme. I feel it fits well, because it definitely brings bigger questions into the picture. I bet you had a great time visiting the Resistance Museum! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis entire trip must have been one of a lifetime. I imagine it was a mixture of emotions to be able to interact with two Holocaust survivors as you experienced this tragic piece of history through examining a variety of artifacts. The theme of "choices" makes sense, as the choices that were made at that time were high stakes and must have been incredibly difficult. Thank you for sharing your experiences and I look forward to reading more of the entries posted in this blog.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing thing that you were accompanied by two Holocaust survivors! The trip seems like a once in a lifetime experience to begin with but having them join as well must have been an unforgettable moment. I can't imagine what you guys must have felt standing with them in the museum full of stories and facts that they lived through, it gives me chills just thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteThis trip as a whole seems incredible! I have recently been researching resisters/rescuers in my free time, I have been amazed at what I have found thus far. This museum seems really nice, modest, and honest. The two survivors that accompanied you must have really made the visit all the more memorable. Did the museum have translations for you?
ReplyDeleteIt's honestly so cool that you got to go to the museum with Holocaust survivors. It must've been so interesting to hear their stories. I also love the pictures you posted to show the museum and it sounds like a great place. I would love to hear more about the museum and the different artifacts you saw!
ReplyDeleteIt looked like the trip looked very informational and offered so much in visuals, audios , and artifacts. More colleges so do these types of trips during the year so that these museums can be seen.
ReplyDeleteResistance was a very important part of holocuast, it was somthing that was somtimes hidden or even in plain sight. I hineslty did not know there were museums dedicated to this part of the genocide. Its great that you guys were able to see the musuem and even greater that you were able to share it so others can be made aware of it. I hope to one day be able to visit a musem such as this becuase it does more than educate a perso, it changes them.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a cool visit.
ReplyDeleteThe part of your post that I found most appealing and that highlighted your stop at the Dutch Renaissance Museum was your mention about "choices." A theme that ran through the entire exhibit about how individuals decide how to react to changing circumstances during the German occupation. This was such a small word that can hold such high value during this particular time frame, and affects the future outcomes of many of the outcomes later on. I think that this, along with Joshua T.'s comment are often overlooked and do not often have light shown on those areas. This museum would be one that I would love to check out. The perspective of how one can decide what they can do to make a change; An individual may feel that something is wrong and stand up for those without voices can play a crucial role and provide hope for those needing it most.
Thank you for sharing this important aspect of Resistance during the Holocaust.
Cori
I think that its really cool that your tour guides were Holocaust survivors. I have always wanted to know more about the resistance because of the important role that they played during this time of history. I also like how you went into detail about what the interactive quality of each piece and how this trip resonated with you. This seems like a really cool trip and I hope that you were able to take a lot away from it. All in all really cool post.
ReplyDeleteThis must have been a particularly interesting tour because of the theme of choices. One cannot help but wonder how the Nazis made so many inhumane choices. I bet that you found it very psychologically informative in this aspect.
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