Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Cup |
Source |
Iowa Jewish Historical Society |
Iowa History Era Tag |
World War II to an Urban State (1940-1963) |
Chronological Tag |
Postwar United States (1945-1970s) |
Catalog Number |
2018.014.008 |
Credit line |
Iowa Jewish Historical Society - Waukee, Iowa |
Description |
This cup, which was made in Oskar Schindler's factory, was brought to Des Moines in 1947 by the Karp family. The Karps were natives of Poland and were sent to the concentration camp at Auschwitz during World War II. Oskar Schindler rescued the family from the concentration camp and transported them to Brunnlitz, Czechoslovakia, where they worked in his factory until the end of the war. When Phyllis Karp was asked why she wanted to bring the cup to the United States, she said "This will remind me, every day, that there is a better tomorrow." Content can be used with the following standards: 3rd grade SS 3.27 Immigration and Migration and SS-W.H. 9-12.26 Iowans Influence World History on survivors experiences during WWII and the actions of those who helped people to safety. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
The Karp family (Irvin, Phyllis and their only child, Celina) were transferred to the Plaszow labor camp after the Krakow ghetto where they lived was evacuated in March of 1943. In September 1943, a new law required prisoners to stay within the confines of the camp to work rather than travel to work in factories. Factories were opened in the camp, however after one year, they closed due to the approaching Russians. Oskar Schindler, one of the factory owners, relocated his factory to Czechoslovakia. At this time, the Karp family was relocated to Auschwitz until they were smuggled into Czechoslovakia under Schindler's care. After the surrender of Germany, the Karp family moved to the United States in 1947, where they were met by David Karp who drove them to Des Moines, IA where he lived. Celina went on to attend Grinell College and became an elementary teacher while sharing her story with others. |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - State/National |
County Tag |
Des Moines |
People |
Karp Family Schindler, Oskar |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
WW2 War & Conflict Religion People Business & Industry Poland Concentration camps Nazis |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Iowa Jewish Historical Society and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
