Interviewer: Lindsey Martin

Project: University Houston

Walter Hansen is in charge of the restoration of the Danish Fishing Boat at Holocaust Museum Houston. Although not affiliated with the Holocaust Museum, he is a passionate volunteer who wants to tell the story of some of Denmark‟s heroes. Walter learned the craft of building wooden boats from his father-in-law. He had never heard of the museum‟s fishing boat until a few years before this interview when someone approached him about restoring it. When Walter heard the boat‟s story, he knew he wanted to help not only with the restoration process but also telling the history of the Jews who escaped to safety on fishing boats during the Holocaust. Throughout the interview, his passion for the fishing boat shines brightly. Walter goes to schools to talk about the boat as well as the history of the Danes who helped prevent some of the deportations. The boat symbolizes hope for the Danish Jews and future generations to see that good things happened amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Walter personally watches over the renovations, which should be completed in 2015, and is quite proud of the volunteers helping to restore the boat.