Dachau

Early Years​

A Killing Model

Dachau was one of the first concentration camps established by the Nazi regime, as well as the longest running camp. Open since the 22nd of March, 1933, the camp was in use until it was liberated on the 29th of April, 1945.
 
Initially, the camp was used for Nazis’ political opponents. It was built on German soil, close to Munich. Later, it was repurposed for forced labour, but it also hosted prisoners from every country invaded by Germany. The primary focus was on Jews.
 
The camp system included around 100 units. One of them was reserved for harsh medical experiments on inmates. It’s estimated that about 188,000 inmates spent time in Dachau and over 40,000 of them were killed.
 
Around 32,000 deaths were documented, but like for any other camp, it’s difficult to estimate precise numbers.
 
Over World War 2, Dachau served as a model for other camps, training new security personnel.

Holocaust Museum of Corfu
Holocaust Museum of Corfu
Items

Explore Dachau

Hair Curler​

Holocaust Museum of Corfu

It’s uncertain who this hair curler belonged too. Initially, Dachau was built for political opponents, but Jews, Romani and criminals were also brought in. Like in any other camp, prisoners were stripped of their belongings upon entering the camp. This hair curler was kept as a war relic by one of the prisoners after liberation.

· Donated anonymously

Salt Holder​

Holocaust Museum of Corfu

Salt was considered a luxurious element among prisoners. They barely managed to get a few bites on their daily means, let alone condiments. However, those working in the canteen often smuggled it into the camp. This salt holder is just a small box one of the prisoners was able to keep. It was found among other hidden belongings and taken by a prisoner after liberation.

· Donated by the Agron family

Bracelet​

Holocaust Museum of Corfu

Jewellery was almost immediately taken from prisoners once they got into Dachau, whether or not it was considered valuable. It’s unknown who this bracelet was taken from, but it was found in a box with other personal belongings after the camp was liberated. The bracelet was given to a prisoner called Kasia upon liberation and kept in her family.

· Donated by Wielimir Gudowicz

Many More Items​

Holocaust Museum of Corfu

Our collection has countless other items to display. We are currently in the process of saving donations to open a physical museum, so we can display the entire collection. Any donation through the button below will be greatly appreciated and can help us preserve the memory of the Holocaust alive. Thank you.

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Rebecca Aaron was the last Holocaust survivor in Corfu. May her memory be a blessing.
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