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Nazi Olympics Exhibit Opens At Jazz Museum
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Olympics celebrate spirit, skill and sportsmanship, but the 1936 games in Berlin are often remembered for its association with Nazi Germany.
An exhibit about the Nazi Olympics is open at the gallery in the American Jazz Museum at 18th and Vine streets.
KMBC's Donna Pitman reported that on Wednesday, a group of middle school students from the Nativity of Mary School visited the exhibit about the 1936 Olympics and it had a deep impact on them.
The students learned about those who boycotted the Olympics that year and about the attitudes toward Jews.
"In the 30's, the Jews were major outcasts. It's pretty mean, I think," one girl said.
"Before the Olympics, (Germany) had 'No Jews Here' (signs). I'm shocked at how they took all of that down and fooled the U.S.," seventh-grader Patrick Blau said.
"That Hitler was very evil," one student said.
"One of the Jewish girls was elected to go (to the Olympics), but they sent her a letter and said that she couldn't play," seventh-grader Rachael Twenter said.
The students also learned that the United States attended the 1936 Olympics and that at the last minute, two Jewish players on the U.S. team were told they wouldn't compete and were replaced by black athletes.
"There was definitely a special feeling. Winning the gold medal and being a black man. We destroyed (Hitler's) master race theory," 1936 Olympian John Woodruff said in a video shown in the exhibition.
Museum volunteers said they want the exhibit to leave an impression on the children who see it.
"I want them to be a little bit shaken," volunteer Mary Fry said.
The Nazi Olympics exhibit will be at the American Jazz Museum through Dec. 9. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
For more information, visit americanjazzmuseum.org.
Copyright 2006 by TheKansasCityChannel
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