Discovering ‘De Telg’: The Eventful History of an Illegal WWII Publisher in Amsterdam

This exhibition at Amsterdamse School Museum De Dageraad delves into the history of the illegal publisher 'De Telg,' which operated during World War II. It highlights the publisher's role in the Dutch resistance, particularly in distributing illegal and clandestine publications like the newspaper Het Parool, and showcases the involvement of Jewish residents in this critical wartime effort.

The Amsterdamse School Museum De Dageraad presents an exhibition dedicated to the eventful history of the illegal publisher 'De Telg.' Originally established in one of De Dageraad's former shop spaces during World War II, 'De Telg' played a vital role in the resistance movement. Many of its key figures were Jewish residents, including former alderman Wim Polak and his wife Bea Biet, photographer Sem Presser, and artist Leo Schatz. The exhibition details how the publisher originated from a 'Leesbibliotheek' (Reading Library) founded in 1942, which served as a clandestine lending service for books unavailable elsewhere, particularly for Jewish residents. The initiative, named 'De Telg' after the Burgemeester Tellegenstraat where it was located, was co-founded by Henk Harkink and Wim Polak. As the war progressed, Wim Polak was forced into hiding and, along with other Amsterdam Jews, began an clandestine publishing house in The Hague. The income generated from selling their publications, primarily children's books, was crucial in sustaining a large group of people in hiding. After the war, 'De Telg' became a legal entity, with the former reading library serving as its office. The exhibition highlights the resistance activities, including the distribution of illegal and clandestine publications such as the newspaper Het Parool. Visitors can view original publications from the publisher 'De Telg,' offering a tangible connection to this significant period in Dutch history. The exhibition is hosted in Museum De Dageraad and runs until December 31, 2023.

The exhibition is on display at Museum De Dageraad. Visitors can find opening hours and ticket information via the museum's practical info section on their website.