VERSCHLEPPT: THE CARRYING OFF OF MARKUS AND ANNA MATTES

Presentation by John Mattes and Debbi Nitekman Kohl; Music Performance by Debbi Nitekman Kohl, piano.

Translations by Diana Reiss Gingell

Told mostly in the written words of Markus and Anna, this presentation will include slides of the family’s letters, photographs, and documents. It will also include music from the Shoah performed by Debbi on piano. This program speaks to universal and current themes of trauma, diversity, and resiliency.

Markus and Anna Mattes, a Polish Jewish couple, moved to Mainz, Germany in 1908 to raise their family. Through family pictures, documents, maps, and first-hand accounts in letters written by members of the Mattes family, we learn of the couple’s witness to the beginnings of the Holocaust, and their desperate attempts to escape Nazi Germany and join their children who found a home in the Quad Cities. These attempts, which ultimately failed, are haunting and echo the experience of many Jewish families during this time. The story of the Mattes family, as told through their own words from 1938-1941, honors the memory of those who did not survive.

1:30 refreshments
2:00 program

Free and open to the public, suggested donation $10.

RSVP highly encouraged.

*No photography or video recording permitted

☕️ BYOM!
Guests are welcome to bring their own mugs if they wish. Disposable cups are provided, but help us reduce waste and bring a favorite mug!

Photography Policy: By responding to this event, you are giving your consent for the German American Heritage Center and Museum to use any photographs taken of you during the program for marketing purposes. We appreciate your support in helping us share the impact of our events with a wider community audience.

Contact the host of Kaffee und Kuchen: Verschleppt

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