On the trail of the Nazi era

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Historical facts and personal experiences are presented in the newly opened themed trail in the town of Krems - such as the life of the Jewish Neuner family, who ran a lingerie store in Schwedengasse.(Bild: Krone KREATIV, museumkrems, Fotosammlung, Attila Molnar)

A themed trail sheds light on the history of National Socialism in Krems. It aims to make the traces of the partly forgotten, partly destroyed, partly lingering history visible in the city. The "Krone" provides insights into the dark secrets of the city.

The year is 1938 and we are looking at Krems - the capital of the Niederdonau district. At that time, the Lower Austrian statutory town was making history that is often suppressed today. The prison and the court in Krems, where Nazi violence was once carried out, are prominent features of the cityscape. 

However, Hedwig-Stocker-Park, a small park right next to the old city wall in Stein, is rather unknown. It is named after a former judicial officer in the prison of the district court. Hedwig Stocker took up her post as a guard in the women's prison in March 1941 and was therefore part of the system. It is said that Stocker treated the imprisoned women extremely humanely. After the end of the Nazi regime in 1945, she continued to work as a guard. Stocker was characterized by great humanity and impartial justice. She also kept the resistance fighter Maria Polak hidden in her garden house for a month.

Focus on National Socialism
The newly opened themed trail in Krems tells just such stories. National Socialism in Krems is now highlighted at a further 23 historical locations. Each location stands for a different event that tells of destruction, persecution and crimes, but also of responsibility, solidarity and resistance.