Black Vulcanfiber suitcase used by a Dutch Jewish family while in hiding 2004.301.2 closed
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington, United States
Small black suitcase used by 8 year old Elisabeth Blind and her mother, Schoontje Visser, when they lived in hiding in Amsterdam from approximately 1941-1945. The Netherlands was occupied by Germany on May 10, 1940. Schoontje obtained false identification papers and, with the help of Willem Schalbroeck, a resistance member, she and Elisabeth hid in various locations. The suitcase was always packed in case they had to go to a cellar during bombing raids. In May 1945, Amsterdam was liberated by Canadian forces. Schoontje’s entire family was killed in Auschwitz death camp.
Small black suitcase used by 8 year old Elisabeth Blind and her mother, Schoontje Visser, when they lived in hiding in Amsterdam from approximately 1941-1945. The Netherlands was occupied by Germany on May 10, 1940. Schoontje obtained false identification papers and, with the help of Willem Schalbroeck, a resistance member, she and Elisabeth hid in various locations. The suitcase was always packed in case they had to go to a cellar during bombing raids. In May 1945, Amsterdam was liberated by Canadian forces. Schoontje’s entire family was killed in Auschwitz death camp.
- Title: Black Vulcanfiber suitcase used by a Dutch Jewish family while in hiding 2004.301.2 closed
- Provenance: The suitcase was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2004 by Elisabeth and Maurits Munichman., The suitcase was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2004 by Elisabeth and Maurits Munichman.
- Subject Keywords: Hidden children (Holocaust)--Netherlands--Amsterdam--Biography. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)--Netherlands--Amsterdam--Personal narratives, Jewish. Holocaust survivors--United States--Biography. Jewish children in the Holocaust--Netherlands--Amsterdam--Biography. Jews--Rescue--Netherlands--Biography. World War, 1939-1945--Netherlands--Personal narratives, Jewish., Hidden children (Holocaust)--Netherlands--Amsterdam--Biography. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)--Netherlands--Amsterdam--Personal narratives, Jewish. Holocaust survivors--United States--Biography. Jewish children in the Holocaust--Netherlands--Amsterdam--Biography. Jews--Rescue--Netherlands--Biography. World War, 1939-1945--Netherlands--Personal narratives, Jewish.
- Type: Containers, Containers
- Rights: Permanent Collection, Permanent Collection
- External Link: See the full record at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, See the full record at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Medium: Small, rectangular, black Vulcanfiber suitcase with topstitched, reinforced side edging. There are black painted, silver colored metal corner bumpers and black painted metal trim on the lid edge. The lid attaches to the base by 2 engraved hinges. On the front are 2 hasp locks and keyplates, corroded, possibly brass, a black leather covered metal handle attached by D rings, and silver colored metal edge clamps visible when open. Silver colored metal feet are riveted to the back of the lid, base corners, and underside. The left and right base sides have embossed text. The interior is lined with stained, torn, light brown, patterned paper. Wood supports reinforce the lid and base edges. A black faux leather lid stay is nailed to the right lid support, but has torn off the base support. The lid interior has a red manufacturer's stamp with Dutch and German text. On the exterior lid is a handwritten white paper address label taped on and covered in plastic; on the sides are a custom sticker and a label remnant; on the base front behind the handle is an metal Dutch airlines plate with English text. A partially torn luggage tag is tied to the handle. There are marks overall of frequent use, paint is worn off, and the lid is slightly warped., Small, rectangular, black Vulcanfiber suitcase with topstitched, reinforced side edging. There are black painted, silver colored metal corner bumpers and black painted metal trim on the lid edge. The lid attaches to the base by 2 engraved hinges. On the front are 2 hasp locks and keyplates, corroded, possibly brass, a black leather covered metal handle attached by D rings, and silver colored metal edge clamps visible when open. Silver colored metal feet are riveted to the back of the lid, base corners, and underside. The left and right base sides have embossed text. The interior is lined with stained, torn, light brown, patterned paper. Wood supports reinforce the lid and base edges. A black faux leather lid stay is nailed to the right lid support, but has torn off the base support. The lid interior has a red manufacturer's stamp with Dutch and German text. On the exterior lid is a handwritten white paper address label taped on and covered in plastic; on the sides are a custom sticker and a label remnant; on the base front behind the handle is an metal Dutch airlines plate with English text. A partially torn luggage tag is tied to the handle. There are marks overall of frequent use, paint is worn off, and the lid is slightly warped.
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