The Dutch Resistance Museum

On May 10, 1940 Germany invaded the Netherlands. Within one week after being thoroughly overrun by the blitzkeig (lightning war) of the Nazi invasion, the Dutch army capitulated. Few would argue the wisdom of this decision considering the predictable consequences of resisting. The Dutch Resistance Museum in Amsterdam tells the story of Dutch resistance until the fall of the Third Reich.

Collecting dogs for use in minefield detection (Bonnekamp Collection)

The museum addresses one central inquiry: How did Dutch people respond to Nazi occupation? “Resistance” must not be confused with “response.” Response to such an overwhelming invasion took many forms including hiding (estimated 300,000), smuggling Jewish families to safety, and active participation in the Nazi movement. Resistance efforts (with the guaranteed death-sentence upon capture) included civil disobedience (e.g. the February Strike), sabotage, and providing counter-intelligence to Allied forces in England.

Nazi Warning Poster:

Buying meat from illegally slaughtered cattle is a crime. 

It deprives others of their rightful share.

The museum tells the story with an impressive collection of artifacts such as a baby pram with a false bottom to conceal contraband, German propaganda posters, and many occupation-era photographs. Of particular note this day was a temporary exhibition of the photographs of Karel Bonnekamp taken between 1942-1945 when photography was forbidden. These clandestine photos are as rare as they are dangerous to De heer Bonnekamp, who risked his life every time he released the camera’s shutter.

Dutch bicycle adapted to avoid confiscation!