Oil painting of a smiling man by Josef Nassy

Portrait drawing of an unidentified man seated with his arms crossed by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a young child by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of an older man smoking a pipe by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of figures lined up by a supply window by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Small portrait drawings of five people by Josef Nassy

Object

Portraits drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a soldier on guard duty by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawning by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a man looking at a camp scene by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of an internemnt camp through a fence by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man playing banjo by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor painting of a man walking through a bleak landscape by Josef Nassy

Object

Watercolor painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a young boy by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man in a cap by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Landscape drawing featuring a man and cows by Josef Nassy

Object

Landscape drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil drawing of two interned men reading by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man with a goatee by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor portrait of a seated man beside a briefcase by Josef Nassy

Object

Watercolor portrait by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil and crayon drawing of a man in prayer by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man wearing glasses by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a man looking out a window at an internment camp by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Two pencil portrait sketches of the same man by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a young soldier by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man playing banjo by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man eating by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Faint portrait drawing of a bearded man playing piano by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a group of men seated beneath a large tree by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of Johnny Mitchell playing guitar by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait of Johnny Mitchell playing guitar, drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Crayon drawing of a man reading on a bunk by Josef Nassy

Object

Crayon drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a seated older man by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man writing on his propped knees by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a curly-haired man by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor of nuns praying and receiving communion by Josef Nassy

Object

Watercolor by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor of a nun seated near a window by Josef Nassy

Object

Watercolor by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil and watercolor drawing of prisoners and a nun peeling potatoes by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor drawing of a woman reading outside in a camp by Josef Nassy

Object

Watercolor by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor drawing of a man and woman seperated by a camp fence by Josef Nassy

Object

Watercolor by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Ink drawing of people outside in a camp yard by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor drawing of a couple outside in a camp yard by Josef Nassy

Object

Watercolor by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil drawing of two men seated outside by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil and crayon drawing on a man seated on a rail by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil and crayon portrait of a man writing by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil drawing of a man playing piano by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man playing banjo by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil drawing of a man playing piano by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil drawing of a man sleeping in bed by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man smoking a pipe while sketching by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Colored pencil portrait of a young man with red hair by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man in a fedora by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a seated man smoking a cigarette by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Loosely sketched drawing of men standing around a work table by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of William Walker and three others playing cards by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing of William Walker and three other internees playing cards, drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a man playing a piano by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Two portraits depicting a man smoking a pipe while playing a violin by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait dawing of a man wearing thick-rimmed glasses by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of three men seated at a table by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a seated man resting by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man wearing a cap and suit by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man with a thin mustache and thick hair by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a smiling man with heavy-rimmed glasses by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of three men indoors by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of Johnny Mitchell playing guitar by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait of Johnny Mitchell playing guitar, drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a bearded man smoking a pipe by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a bearded man smoking a cigarette by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man with a thick mustache by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a stern-faced man wearing a cap by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man with a heavily-lined face wearing a cap by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a clean-shaven man smoking a pipe by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a frowning man by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man with his eyes closed by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a bearded man reading by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of balding man with glasses by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man wearing a hat with a brim by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a bearded man smoking a pipe by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a seated man reading on a stool by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Two views of a man in a fedora by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a man eating at a table by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a barefoot man seated at a piano by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Caricature drawing of Josef Nassy by Max Brandel

Object

Caricature of artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent by Max Brandel, a fellow prisoner and artist. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a man relieving himself in a latrine by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor landscape drawing of a river by Josef Nassy

Object

Landscape drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of William Walker smoking a pipe by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing of William Walker, a fellow internee, drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait drawing of a man by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a curly-haired man by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a dark-haired man with a cowlick by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man with short hair and a pencil mustache by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a thin-haired man by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a balding man smoking a pipe by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man wearing thick-rimmed glasses by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a young man with curly hair by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man with deep set eyes by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man in a knit hat by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a young man holding a pipe by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man wearing a headscarf by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man with slicked-back hair by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil and watercolor portrait of a man with angular features by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man in a beret by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a balding man by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of an older man wearing a tie by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man wearing a fedora, scarf, and jacket by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a balding man with a beard by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man with a thick, dark beard by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a bald man with long, stringy hair by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait of a man wearing a jacket with thin lapels by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil portrait by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil drawing depicting men sitting on a bench around a tree by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor landscape drawing depicting a prisoner and guard in a barren camp yard by Josef Nassy

Object

Landscape drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing depicting a figure in a brimmed hat looking at the guard tower beyond the fence by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor depicting a figure in a brimmed hat looking at the guard tower beyond the fence by Josef Nassy

Object

Watercolor by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Watercolor of a prisoner walking along a concentration camp fence by Josef Nassy

Object

Watercolor by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing depicting a figure in a brimmed hat looking at the guard tower beyond the fence by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Ink and watercolor drawing of figures by a supply window by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing depicting a man seated at a table reading by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil drawing of two men in a barracks by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Pencil drawing of a doctor examining a patient by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of four men working at a table by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a man eating with some sketches above by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a seated man reading at a table by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing of a seated man writing at a table by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Josef Nassy drawing

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Drawing of Freddy Johnson by Josef Nassy

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The drawing was created by Josef Nassy and depicts Freddy Johnson, an African-American jazz musician, playing piano while both men were held in Tittmoning internment camp in Germany, between 1942 and 1944.

Pencil drawing by Josef Nassy of a man exercising in a prison camp yard

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Portrait of Harry Kopscinski playing a harmonica by Josef Nassy

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Portrait of Harry Kopscinski playing a harmonica , drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Portrait of Gustave de Marcken looking at a map by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait of Gustave de Marcken looking at a map, drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Poster announcing Josef Nassy postwar exhibition

Object

Offset, printed poster announing an exhibition of works by Nassy at LaPetite Galerie, Bruxelles, Belgium, from November 30 to December 14, 1946. The exhibition was sponsored by the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

Drawing by Josef Nassy

Object

Drawing by Josef Nassy

Object

Josef Nassy papers

Document

The Josef Nassy papers include a letter thanking Nassy for art classes he taught at the Laufen internment camp, a travel permit allowing Nassy to cross the border into Austria and return, a program for Nassy’s October 1946 exhibition of internment camp artwork in Brussels, and Nassy’s 1953 employment card indicating his status as a foreign artist working in Belgium. The employment card falsely claims that Nassy was born in San Francisco in 1899.

Landscape oil painting of a man and ox plowing fields by Josef Nassy

Object

Landscape painted by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Landscape oil painting of a village viewed between trees by Josef Nassy

Object

Landscape painted by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait painting in oil of an unidentified young man by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait drawn by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of a large stone building and nearby village by Josef Nassy

Object

Oil painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Landscape painting in oil of a wooded area by Josef Nassy

Object

Landscape painted by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of a man looking out a window at a town by Josef Nassy

Object

Oil painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting depicting a church and a crucified man by Josef Nassy

Object

Oil painting of a church and a crucified man by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Landscape painting of trees and a guard house by Josef Nassy

Object

Oil painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Painting of a gray-haired man with a mustache by Josef Nassy

Object

Oil painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Painting of a balding man with a goatee and glasses by Josef Nassy

Object

Oil painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of a hexagonal church with a dome by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait painting of a woman knitting by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Portrait painting of a woman wearing a red scarf by Josef Nassy

Object

Portrait painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Painting By Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Landscape painting of a large building and town beyond a river by Josef Nassy

Object

Landscape painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of nuns gathered around a piano by Josef Nassy

Object

Interior scene painted by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Ink drawing of a man propping his head on his hand by Josef Nassy

Object

Ink drawing by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of a prisoner looking at the view beyond the prison fence by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting depicting a camp inmate sitting on a bench by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting depicting a guard tower and a lone man in the yard of a concentration camp by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting depicting a lone figure beside a concentration camp fence at sunrise by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of a lone figure beside a camp fence with a dark landscape beyond by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting depicting imprisoned men walking in a camp by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of several prisoners walking in the snow for exercise by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting depicting a concentration camp guard watching a lone prisoner by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting depicting prisoners milling around in a barracks courtyard by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting depicting two camp prisoners beside a wire fence by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of two prisoners in silhouette by a camp fence by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of a prisoner looking out at a village by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of the landscape around a concentration camp by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of a prisoner sitting on a bench beneath a tree by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of a concentration camp fence at sunrise by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Oil painting of an older man knitting by Josef Nassy

Object

Painting by professionally trained artist Josef Nassy, a black expatriate of Jewish descent. Josef was one of about 2,000 civilians holding American passports who were confined in German internment camps during World War II (1939-1945). From 1929-1934, he was employed in the installation of sound systems in Europe for a film company. Before leaving, Josef had obtained an American passport under the name Josef Nassy, he thought it would be safer to hold an American passport while in Europe. Though he’d been born in Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), he apparently claimed that he was born in San Francisco in 1899. He was able to do this because San Francisco's public records had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1906, and authorities issued the passport without any investigation. In 1938, he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium, to study painting. German forces occupied Belgium in May 1940, but Josef and his Belgian wife did not leave. Four months after the US entered the war in December 1941, Josef was arrested as an enemy alien in German-occupied Belgium because he held an American passport. He was held in the Beverloo transit camp in Leopoldsburg for seven months. He was then deported to Laufen internment camp and its subcamp, Tittmoning in Germany. Throughout his three-year imprisonment, Josef created a unique visual diary of more than 200 paintings and drawings. Many of these works chronicle people and daily life in the internment camps. The US Third Army liberated Laufen on May 5, 1945. Josef and nearly all the internees at the camps survived the war. A year after liberation, Josef was repatriated to Belgium. He eventually returned to the United States, and continued to create works of art.

Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Drawing by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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Painting by Josef Nassy

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