Keep Talking Episode 150: Liesbeth van der Horst - How To Resist Fascism
Sep 26, 2025
Liesbeth van der Horst, director of the Verzetsmuseum in Amsterdam, has dedicated her career to educating about resistance during WWII. In this conversation, she reveals the museum’s mission to combat fascism, sharing lessons learned from notable resistance figures. Liesbeth discusses the complexities of resistance, the February 1941 strike against Nazi oppression, and the heartbreaking realities of Jews in hiding, including Anne Frank’s story. She emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the museum in safeguarding democracy and the lessons of history.
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Museum Founded As Warning And Education
- The Verzetsmuseum was founded in the 1980s by former resistance members to educate youth and warn against repeating atrocities.
- It moved locations in 1999 and has renewed exhibits including colonial history to reach more visitors.
Director's Personal Museum Journey
- Liesbeth started as a volunteer in 1989 and rose to curator then director in 2003 after years of museum work.
- Her long involvement shaped the museum's continuity and connection to actual resistance members.
Resistance Is Risky And Nuanced
- Resisting under dictatorship is risky and morally complex, so many did not resist and that choice is understandable.
- The museum highlights both courage and the context that made resistance difficult to emphasize nuance.