Mom's influence, her dedication to educating the world about the Holocaust, is still being felt ... in Iowa.
Yes, Iowa. You read that correctly. Danville, Iowa, to be exact, a small farming community in the southeast part of the state.
Good timing, too. The day after this year's International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we received a note -- through a longtime friend -- from a man in Iowa asking for permission to use photos of Mom (and Dad) and one of her poems in a Holocaust-related museum.
The Danville Station, a library-museum featuring the "Anne Frank Pen Pal Letters." It is a non-for-profit cultural institution.
Intriguing? Indeed.
Mom, who for 25 years talked and wrote so often about the Holocaust, has been gone 14 1/2 years (Dad for 16 1/2). But they would be so proud of an exhibit being put together in that museum to honor them.
We -- their family -- are pleased, and happy to help.
In a world where Holocaust education seems to be dwindling as much as the actual survivors of that horror, this is a small bit of encouragement.
So were the responses we received this week about our (annual) post/e-mail on Holocaust Remembrance Day. We will never forget, or -- as one friend pointed out -- forgive.
(And we don't approve of Elon Musk's clownish "salute," or whatever he did, and certainly not of his coddling of Germany's far-right -- yeah, Nazi-leaning -- political party. He's not stupid, but that was. C'mon, he knows what a Nazi salute looks like. So why even go there?)
---
Yes, Iowa. You read that correctly. Danville, Iowa, to be exact, a small farming community in the southeast part of the state.
![]() |
Our young Rose |
The Danville Station, a library-museum featuring the "Anne Frank Pen Pal Letters." It is a non-for-profit cultural institution.
Intriguing? Indeed.
Mom, who for 25 years talked and wrote so often about the Holocaust, has been gone 14 1/2 years (Dad for 16 1/2). But they would be so proud of an exhibit being put together in that museum to honor them.
We -- their family -- are pleased, and happy to help.
In a world where Holocaust education seems to be dwindling as much as the actual survivors of that horror, this is a small bit of encouragement.
So were the responses we received this week about our (annual) post/e-mail on Holocaust Remembrance Day. We will never forget, or -- as one friend pointed out -- forgive.
(And we don't approve of Elon Musk's clownish "salute," or whatever he did, and certainly not of his coddling of Germany's far-right -- yeah, Nazi-leaning -- political party. He's not stupid, but that was. C'mon, he knows what a Nazi salute looks like. So why even go there?)
---
Back to the story, the Anne Frank-Rose Van Thyn connection of sorts.
The origin of this tale is a note from Dr. Stephen J. Gaies, who was director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education and a professor emeritus in the department of languages and literatures at the University of Northern Iowa. He is now a consultant to the Danville museum, which opened in 2018.
The origin of this tale is a note from Dr. Stephen J. Gaies, who was director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education and a professor emeritus in the department of languages and literatures at the University of Northern Iowa. He is now a consultant to the Danville museum, which opened in 2018.
![]() |
He was writing our old friend Thomas Aswell (from Ruston, Louisiana Tech and now living in the Baton Rouge area where he is a longtime political journalist, and a good one.)
Dr. Gaies: "I am writing about gaining permission to use a photograph that appeared in an article you published in Louisiana Voice on November 1, 2016 ..." (about the book Survivors: 62511, 70726, our family's story and that of my parents' Holocaust concentration camp experiences.)
He explained that he was helping design the museum's permanent exhibit and "featuring one of Rose Van Thyn's poems ('Where To') in a new part of the museum." They also want to include some images as part of the description of her life.
Dr. Gaies: "I am writing about gaining permission to use a photograph that appeared in an article you published in Louisiana Voice on November 1, 2016 ..." (about the book Survivors: 62511, 70726, our family's story and that of my parents' Holocaust concentration camp experiences.)
He explained that he was helping design the museum's permanent exhibit and "featuring one of Rose Van Thyn's poems ('Where To') in a new part of the museum." They also want to include some images as part of the description of her life.
While Dr. Gaies was our contact, he stresses that Janet Hesler is "the founder, director and 'soul' of the museum and this exhibit."
Certainly, we granted permission. And we did send a good number of photos and blog pieces to hopefully enhance the exhibit.
---
Now, to tell how Anne Frank (and her sister) figure into this story.
"It's an honor to tell your mother's (and father's) story to visitors [at the museum]," Dr. Gaies wrote. "Let me tell you ... how we plan to incorporate a sample of your mother's poetry and information about her life and accomplishments into the new exhibit area.
Mrs. Hesler: "The Anne Frank letters began in 1939 when our teacher at Danville, Miss Birdie Mathews, started an international correspondence exchange program for her students.
Certainly, we granted permission. And we did send a good number of photos and blog pieces to hopefully enhance the exhibit.
---
Now, to tell how Anne Frank (and her sister) figure into this story.
"It's an honor to tell your mother's (and father's) story to visitors [at the museum]," Dr. Gaies wrote. "Let me tell you ... how we plan to incorporate a sample of your mother's poetry and information about her life and accomplishments into the new exhibit area.
Mrs. Hesler: "The Anne Frank letters began in 1939 when our teacher at Danville, Miss Birdie Mathews, started an international correspondence exchange program for her students.

"Eleven days later the Nazis invaded Holland, so this is the only correspondence that we have."
"The original letters are in the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles and we have the only copies of them in the world."
Dr. Gaies: "It wasn't until a few decades after the war, when Anne Frank started to become a central figure in America's representation of the Holocaust, that the significance of this letter was recognized. A small local museum was created in Danville to preserve this small bit of history."
---

Dr. Gaies: "Years of efforts to obtain a WW II-era railcar similar to those used for deportations from Westerbork (the transit camp in eastern Netherlands) finally bore fruit, and a railcar was located and restored in Germany and shipped to Danville, arriving in 2023.
"An enclosure has been built to protect the railcar from Iowa's harsh weather. One wall of the enclosure is clear; the other three inside walls of the enclosure are new exhibit space. A museum design firm has been contracted to transform our ideas for the exhibit."
"An enclosure has been built to protect the railcar from Iowa's harsh weather. One wall of the enclosure is clear; the other three inside walls of the enclosure are new exhibit space. A museum design firm has been contracted to transform our ideas for the exhibit."
Key to the purchase of the rail car, Mrs. Hesler pointed out, was the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
"Through the grant 'Destination Iowa,' she wrote, "we have received $745,000 to obtain, refurbish, and ship the railcar" and also "construct the building with three wall exhibits that tell the story of the Westerbork camp and well as the rescuers that risked so much for others."
---
Dr. Gaies: "Your mother's poem and a photo of her will appear together with an excerpt from a letter by and an image of Etty Hillesum, in a section entitled, 'Writing About Deportation.' ... "We are including a QR code that will link visitors to a webpage containing supplementary information about your mother's life. The information will include a prose summary, a timeline and a list of selected references, together with additional images, we hope.
"Etty Hillesum will have a different QR code and supplementary information webpage, as will two Dutch rescuers we are featuring in another section of the exhibit.
"Even though the museum is off the beaten track, it already gets thousands of visitors each year, and there is every expectation that with the new exhibit and increasing publicity abut the railcar, attendance (including school visits) will continue to increase.
"So I feel that this is a wonderful new opportunity to share your mother's -- indeed, your family's -- story with a world that can only benefit from learning about your parents' courage and resilience."
We agree, and we are grateful. We will not forget.
"Even though the museum is off the beaten track, it already gets thousands of visitors each year, and there is every expectation that with the new exhibit and increasing publicity abut the railcar, attendance (including school visits) will continue to increase.
"So I feel that this is a wonderful new opportunity to share your mother's -- indeed, your family's -- story with a world that can only benefit from learning about your parents' courage and resilience."
We agree, and we are grateful. We will not forget.
From Carol Hendrix: Thank you for sharing this touching and well deserved story. I know you must be so proud of the continued full circle of involvement.
ReplyDeleteFrom Ken Gladstone: What a wonderful tribute. I didn’t know your mom was a poet. How cool is that.
ReplyDeleteWell done, my friend.
From Mike Harper: We must never forget a time of pure evil. Glad your folks are remembered in yet another way.
ReplyDeleteFrom Frank Bright: Thanks for sharing this heartwarming piece. We have done the Hoover Presidential Library, the Field of Dreams, the Farm Machinery Museum, and Iowa Wesleyan College in “small town Iowa” while making our way to and from our summer place in Canada. We will look for Danville on our maps.
ReplyDeleteFrom John Watkins: Quite a story. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI was appalled at Musk; he is South African, so I wasn't surprised. And I dread what the next four years will be like.
From Lorie Grandclair-Diaz: This is a wonderful tribute to your mother. I'm so glad that she's being honored in this museum.
ReplyDeleteFrom Janet Glaspie: Thank you for sharing this great news. Very special. I imagine Rose would be quite pleased to know that HER story can be found in the midst of corn country.
ReplyDeleteFrom Leo Van Thyn: This is great news any but especially now considering the political climate and challenges. Such a great lady, your mom. Even though it was rather late in both our lives, I am glad I got to know her. Especially appreciated my correspondence with her.
ReplyDeleteMay her memory be for blessing.
From Steve Norder: Hey, Danville is my old area of Iowa. Winfield is about 20 miles away. Both schools in the same sports conference. I vaguely remember something about a pre-war pen pal exchange between Anne Frank and a Danville girl.
ReplyDeleteFrom Helaine Nierman Braunig: Your parents and their story will enhance this museum’s lessons to those who come to visit. I’m so happy they are being honored, and what an interesting story about Anne Frank’s letter to her “pen pal” in the U.S. Thanks for sharing this story with us.
ReplyDeleteFrom Anne Hutcheson Burkeholder Schaub: Wow! This is so touching. So grateful for people who keep the Holocaust horrors alive.
ReplyDeleteFrom Joyce Gerrick: This is an incredible story. What brave people they were and why aren’t there people like that left?
ReplyDeleteFrom Debbie Aulenbacher: Amazing story. Your Mom is still educating folks and in such a pretty dress!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating story. So glad you shared it with us!
ReplyDeleteFrom Dawn Bransky: That's wonderful. What a special message and memorial to the work of your mother to speak for the thousands who never had the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteFrom Jay Fry: I watched some of the commentaries (on the Holocaust) this week. The most ruthless thing! We are going to Normandy this summer. Always has been on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteFrom Jere Coker Bellar: Thank you,for posting this. It’s so very interesting and what a wonderful way to honor your Mom and your family.
ReplyDeleteFrom Marty Wilcoxen: Thank you for sharing this incredible story about your family. Your Mom must have been a wonderful and strong lady.
ReplyDeleteFrom Philip: Thanks for sharing this in a new blog. It left me totally speechless.
ReplyDeleteI love Rootje and Louitje and am so happy to have been family of them.
They must have been very special people, but to me they were and and you and Elsa are just the only Kopuit family we ever had, which makes them more special to us than to anyone else.
Very proud they are remembered now in Iowa as well.
From Nell Cahn: Thank you so much for sending the wonderful and well-deserved article about your parents. I loved them very much.
ReplyDelete1956 the year they settled in Shreveport was the year Abry and I married. Because Janice or “Honey” as we called her was involved in helping them get settled, I was very fortunate to get to know them and spend some time with them, especially your mom. I will be 90 this year and it all seems like a wonderful dream. I don’t know what I would do without my memories.
The other day someone said to me, “I don’t know how you remember all the stuff you do, ” My reply, “I had such a wonderful life I don’t want to forget any of it.”
From Kitty van der Woude: Absolutely wonderful. So great to have this terrible history made better known and pass it on.
ReplyDeleteWe had various very impressive gatherings organized here on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, in Amsterdam, Zaandam and Westerbork.
Here we also had a gathering to commemorate the evacuation of all Jews to Amsterdam. (Including a number of VanThyns). All their names were read during a gathering with a fascinating story by a survivor.
We will never forget!
From Kitty Wiener: This is such good news in a period where so much hatred appears toward Jews in places I would never have believed such hatred still existed.
ReplyDeleteYour mother did so much -- she will always be remembered by us, but now also in Iowa.
Thank you for sharing. It is comforting to know there is still a place where people know how important it is to remember.
From Ann Miller: This was amazing to read. Wish I could have met your mom. I am in awe.
ReplyDeleteAloha. ... PS: Iowa … go figure.
So nice Nico a well deserved plan. You have to be so proud. Kisses
ReplyDeleteFrom Janet Glaspie: Thank you for sharing this great news! Very special. I imagine Rose would be quite pleased to know that HER story can be found in the midst of corn country.
ReplyDeleteFrom Margaret Augustat: How wonderful that your parents are being honored. Your parents' story will be so meaningful to the museum and its visitors. I hope you get to visit this museum. It sounds like your mother will be such an important addition with her poems and writings. You have to be feeling so good about this. ❤️
ReplyDeleteFrom John Sturbin: Caught the end of a documentary film on the Nuremburg War Crimes Trialson Monday morning. After trying to whitewash their atrocities in carefully worded statements (aka ridiculous and cowardly LIES), most of Hitler's henchmen were sentenced to "death by hanging." A few arrogant Nazis received life in prison. The Greatest Generation, here and in Europe, got it right.
ReplyDeleteFrom Mitzi Mills: How wonderful and what good timing. It is nice to hear that some people are doing the right thing and honoring the right people. Thank you so much for sharing more of your family story.
ReplyDeleteFrom Lonnie Dunn: Thank you for sharing this incredible piece of history about your parents. Your mom and dad were amazing people and kept the atrocities of the Holocaust alive so they will never be forgotten. ❤️
ReplyDeleteFrom Ross Montalbano: No doubt that that the number of people that know about the Holocaust is declining. I have been to numerous Holocaust museums including NYC and Budapest. They are always extremely moving. I'm glad you have gotten to see how much your family's contributions to the remembrance of the atrocities committed by the Nazis means to others.
ReplyDeleteNico, That’s incredible news! I’m so happy for you and your family that your mother’s legacy is being honored in such a meaningful way, and in Iowa! I love that her dedication to Holocaust education continues to make an impact, and this tribute is a testament to that. I’m also so proud of you for your commitment to keeping these stories alive. What a powerful way to honor her and your father. Lots of love, Rachael
ReplyDelete