Handkerchief with embroidered floral motif carried by a Polish Jewish refugee
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 10.500 inches (26.67 cm) | Width: 11.875 inches (30.163 cm)
Creator(s)
- Sylvia Bassman (Subject)
Biographical History
Sylvia Bassman was born Szejna (Shejna) Sylvia Jaroszewska on September 18, 1919, in Sokolka, Poland. She had a brother, Israel Zvi. With her family's blessing, she left Poland for the United States on November 24, 1938, on board the SS Aquitania. She had an aunt who lived in New York City who provided a home for her. Sylvia worked as a dressmaker. All of her family members in Poland were killed during the Holocaust. She became a naturalized citizen in July 1946. She had three children, a daughter and two sons. She passed away in Brooklyn, New York, in June 1974, at the age of 56.
Archival History
The handkerchief was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2008 by Elliot H. Bassman, the son of Sylvia Bassman.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Elliot H. Bassman This collection is donated in memory of Bonnie Anne Bassman and in honor of her son Joshua Kob
Scope and Content
Handkerchief embroidered by 19-year old Shejna Sylvia Jaroszewska and brought with her when she emigrated from Sokolka, Poland, to the United States in November 1938. She settled with an aunt in New York City. All the members of her family who remained in Poland were killed during the Holocaust.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Square, white, linen handkerchief with a dark blue cross-stitched border and, in one corner, a cross-stitched bouquet with flowers in shades of red and orange, brown stems, and blue and green leaves.
Subjects
- United States--Emigration and immigration.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)--Poland.
- Jewish refugees--United States.
- Poland--Emigration and immigration.
- World War, 1939-1945--Refugees--United States.
Genre
- Dress Accessories
- Object