City of Krakow Historical Museum – Oscar Schindler’s Enamel Factory “Krakow Under Nazi Occupation, 1939 to 1945”

Submitted by Steven Becton

 The  drive/walk to get to it is very interesting passing numerous buildings with wall plaques and the  Ghetto Heroes square is nearby.  Upon entering the Factory Museum the  first thing our very capable guide said was  that this  is NOT  about the story of  Oskar Schindler but is  all about  life in Poland before, during, and after  World war II.  I was at first disappointed but eventually my disappointment turned to pleasantly surprised. I thought visiting the Factory would be about the life and actions of Oscar Schindler.  I wanted to see if the famed film had gotten the facts right.  I thought at this point on the trip that I had heard enough and would not learn much more here.  Boy was I wrong.  This is a very informative museum with lots to look at.   Just looking at the incredible original Nazi  artifacts one could slip into thinking this was some kind of tribute to the Nazis.  But its really about the Poland's triumph over Nazi occupation and then communism.  The most moving room for me was the one  that listed all the names of the people that survived because of the List.  There was Rena Ferber (Rena Finder) who we at Facing History know very well. It was so moving to see a known survivors name.  The only real focus on Oscar was a replicable of his office.

 The museum provides quite a detailed and intimate history from prior to the occupation by the Nazis to the end of that occupation, and beginning of communist occupation. The pictures of some of those who worked at the Factory  along with interviews of some of them is very moving. The hardships endured and the random acts of horror and kindness become very real as you read and listen to them. This is definitely a good prelude to or a follow up to  a visit to Auschwitz. It  suggests the worst and the best of humanity and is well worth the two hours to visit.