An update on a blog piece we published on January 30 of this year ...
We received a note from Dr. Stephen J. Gaies, who was our original contact for this endeavor.
He wrote: "The railcar exhibit at the Anne Frank Penpal Museum was officially opened on June 12."
That's fine with us. As we wrote previously, we are honored that Mom (and Dad, Louis Van Thyn) are being remembered -- in Iowa -- all these years after they left us.
Dr. Gaies, a University of Northern Iowa professor with a long background in Holocaust and genocide education, is a consultant for this museum. He referenced Janet Hesler, the museum founder and director and the guiding force for this exhibit.
Mrs. Hesler provided photos of Mom's part of the exhibit, which are included here, and Dr. Gaies included a sheet of supplementary information on Mom, which is accessible through a QR code.
Mrs. Hesler also told Dr. Gaies that "she recently received a phone call and a check from Ron and Jackie Nierman from Shreveport in memory of your parents."
Thanks to everyone for caring and remembering. Mom and Dad would have liked it, and I know my sister Elsa and her family are appreciative, too.
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Link to the supplementary information: https://1drv.ms/w/c/bab4ca9d15529a50/Ed8DKKJzQTFCo0y-nKjZZkMBj7u21yVB6kkY743zSf2Eqg?e=dBj8SW
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Here is a link to the earlier blog piece:
https://nvanthyn.blogspot.com/2025/01/mom-dad-making-appearance-in-iowa.html
From Lois Norder: Steve grew up near Danville. If we’re ever back in the area, the museum will be on our itinerary.
ReplyDeleteFrom Emily Payne: I love this. So many people don't understand what happened back in that time or even have the education to know. Sorry that your parents had to go through that.
ReplyDeleteFrom Ross Montelbano: What an honor. Your mom’s legacy is extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteFrom Randall Perry: She deserves the accolades. What she went through and survived is inconceivable.
ReplyDeleteFrom Kitty van der Woude: Thank you! It is so good to keep all these memories alive. Did they have a special background with Iowa?
ReplyDeleteFrom Thomas Youngblood: Great remembrance for your family. Never Again.
ReplyDeleteFrom Al Miller: I can only imagine how this makes you feel. What a great remembrance for you and family. Thanks for sending.
ReplyDeleteFrom Margaret Killen: We are so proud of your family’s being an inspiration to all of us. You represent the qualities that hold families together during the most despicable trials.
ReplyDeleteFrom Marvin Bahnman: We don't want to ever forget. Thank you for reporting and for your reminders.
ReplyDeleteFrom James Bustillo: An honor befitting the memory of your parents. I know you’re proud.
ReplyDeleteFrom Frank Bright: Your parents paid a great price, but it’s nice to be remembered long after you are gone. We likely won’t have that honor. 😀
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