Margret Hantman papers
The Margret Hantman papers include biographical material, Margret’s ten page memoir describing her Holocaust-era experiences in Germany and concentration camps, photographs of theatrical performances at the Deggendorf displaced persons camp, a Theresienstadt reunion program, and picture postcards of Theresienstadt.
Biographical material includes Margret’s Czechoslovak Repatriation Office registration, instructions for sending mail to Deggendorf residents, and Margret’s passenger ticket for the Marine Perch. Margret’s ten page memoir describes her experiences growing up in Bernau and Berlin, training in a Zionist Hachshara camp, deportations to Theresienstadt, Auschwitz, and various labor camps, and postwar life at the Deggendorf displaced persons camp.
Photographs depict theatrical performances at Deggendorf, and many picture Margret. In the first photographs, she is pictured second from right with Lucie Steinhagen dressed as the Statue of Liberty. In the second photograph, she is pictured holding an oversized ace of hearts. In the third photograph, she is pictured fourth from right dressed in male costume in a mountain scene. In the fourth photograph, she is pictured fourth from left in military uniform. In the fifth photograph, she is pictured third from right in a long dress.
The collection also contains a program from a 30th anniversary Theresienstadt reunion in October 1975 and seven picture postcards depicting Theresienstadt.
- Date
-
inclusive:
circa 1945-2012
- Genre/Form
-
Photographs.
Personal narratives.
- Extent
-
6 folders
- Credit Line
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Margret Hantman
-
Record last modified: 2023-02-24 14:32:42
This page: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn594800
Also in Margret Hantman collection
The collection consists of a dress, brassiere, Star of David pendant and badge, Theresienstadt scrip, commemorative pendant, documents, photographs, and a memoir relating to the experiences of Margret Hantman in Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the United States during and after the Holocaust.
Date: 1926-2010
Stars and stripes dress worn by a German Jewish woman for a DP camp theatrical performance
Object
Stars and stripes costume worn by Margret Simon Hantman in a musical revue at Deggendorf displaced persons (DP) camp. The costume was designed by a Viennese couple, most likely Paul and Erna Sucher, and was made in a sewing group. In order to stay busy and bring some normalcy to their lives after the war, Margret and her friends formed a theater group and staged productions at the camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf DP camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Brassiere made for a German Jewish woman in a forced labor camp
Object
Brassiere made for Margret Simon Hantman from a piece of her camp night shirt by a woman she shared a room with while imprisoned at Sackish-Kudowa labor camp from 1944-1945. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She shared a room with eight other women. They all got along well and supported and tried to help one another. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Star of David patch printed with Jude worn by a German Jewish woman
Object
Badge received by Margret Simon Hantman in 1941, after German authorities required all Jews to identify themselves by wearing the Star of David. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945 and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Star of David pendant and chain worn by a German Jewish woman
Object
Small Star of David pendant on a silver chain belonging to Margret Simon Hantman. There are small pieces of thread holding the links together where Margret repaired the broken chain. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. Margret was sent to a large room where she was forced to remove her clothes and give up her belongings. She hid this tiny Star of David on a chain and a small photo of her sister in her mouth. She kept the items there throughout the process of showering and having her hair shaved off. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displace persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Commemorative concentration camp pendant owned by a German Jewish woman
Object
Small silver and enamel commemorative concentration camp pendant worn postwar by Margret Simon Hantman. The pendant has an inverted red triangle on a blue and gray striped field representing concentration camp uniforms. It is likely that Margret obtained this while at Deggendorf displaced persons (DP) camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf DP camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp scrip, 1 krone note issued to a German Jewish inmate
Object
Scrip, valued at one krone, issued to Margret Simon Hantman in Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia between May 1943 and October 1944. Currency was confiscated from new inmates and replaced with scrip like this, which could only be used in the camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt. They were forced to live separately, but could see each other. Margret worked in the stabsgarten [staff garden] where they grew vegetables enabling her to sneak food to her family. Margret’s father worked treating people who had lice and her mother did sewing. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp scrip, 2 kronen note, issued to a German Jewish inmate
Object
Scrip, valued at two kronen, issued to Margret Simon Hantman in Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia between May 1943 and October 1944. Currency was confiscated from new inmates and replaced with scrip like this, which could only be used in the camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt. They were forced to live separately, but could see each other. Margret worked in the stabsgarten [staff garden] where they grew vegetables enabling her to sneak food to her family. Margret’s father worked treating people who had lice and her mother did sewing. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp scrip, 5 kronen note, issued to a German Jewish inmate
Object
Scrip, valued at five kronen, issued to Margret Simon Hantman in Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia between May 1943 and October 1944. Currency was confiscated from new inmates and replaced with scrip like this, which could only be used in the camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt. They were forced to live separately, but could see each other. Margret worked in the stabsgarten [staff garden] where they grew vegetables enabling her to sneak food to her family. Margret’s father worked treating people who had lice and her mother did sewing. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp scrip, 10 kronen note, issued to a German Jewish inmate
Object
Scrip, valued at ten kronen, issued to Margret Simon Hantman in Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia between May 1943 and October 1944. Currency was confiscated from new inmates and replaced with scrip like this, which could only be used in the camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt. They were forced to live separately, but could see each other. Margret worked in the stabsgarten [staff garden] where they grew vegetables enabling her to sneak food to her family. Margret’s father worked treating people who had lice and her mother did sewing. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp scrip, 20 kronen note, issued to a German Jewish inmate
Object
Scrip, valued at twenty kronen, issued to Margret Simon Hantman in Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia between May 1943 and October 1944. Currency was confiscated from new inmates and replaced with scrip like this, which could only be used in the camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt. They were forced to live separately, but could see each other. Margret worked in the stabsgarten [staff garden] where they grew vegetables enabling her to sneak food to her family. Margret’s father worked treating people who had lice and her mother did sewing. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp scrip, 50 kronen note, issued to a German Jewish inmate
Object
Scrip, valued at fifty kronen, issued to Margret Simon Hantman in Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia between May 1943 and October 1944. Currency was confiscated from new inmates and replaced with scrip like this, which could only be used in the camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt. They were forced to live separately, but could see each other. Margret worked in the stabsgarten [staff garden] where they grew vegetables enabling her to sneak food to her family. Margret’s father worked treating people who had lice and her mother did sewing. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp scrip, 100 kronen note, issued to a German Jewish inmate
Object
Scrip, valued at one hundred kronen, issued to Margret Simon Hantman in Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia between May 1943 and October 1944. Currency was confiscated from new inmates and replaced with scrip like this, which could only be used in the camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt. They were forced to live separately, but could see each other. Margret worked in the stabsgarten [staff garden] where they grew vegetables enabling her to sneak food to her family. Margret’s father worked treating people who had lice and her mother did sewing. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
Portrait of a German Jewish girl in a handmade burlap frame
Object
Framed, black and white, photographic portrait of Eva Simon, the sister of Margret Simon Hantman. The photograph was given to her in Berlin before the war. The frame was made from a piece of coarse mattress by a woman Margret shared a room with while imprisoned at Sackish-Kudowa labor camp. Prior to the war, Margret and her family lived in Berlin, Germany, where her father owned a grocery store. In 1935, his store was taken by the authorities after the Nuremberg Laws were passed and he was forced to work as a laborer on the outskirts of the city. In October 1942, her sister Eva was sent on a transport to Rīga, Latvia, where she was murdered. In December, Margret and her parents were sent to Theresienstadt ghetto-labor camp in Czechoslovakia. In September 1944, Margret’s father was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in German occupied Poland, where he was murdered. The following month she and her mother were sent there as well. Margret’s mother was killed soon after they arrived. Margret was sent to a large room where she was forced to remove her clothes and give up her belongings. She hid this small photo of her sister and a tiny Star of David on a chain in her mouth. She kept the items there throughout the process of showering and having her hair shaved off. After a few weeks, Margret was sent to Sackisch‐Kudowa labor camp to work in an airplane factory. She and the other prisoners were freed in May 1945, and Margret made her way to Deggendorf displaced persons camp that summer. She met her first husband Felix Huber at Deggendorf, and in 1946 they both immigrated to the United States.
