Hitler’s Austrian Home to Become “House of Responsibility”
The birthplace of Adolf Hitler is all set to become a Holocaust museum. As per the plan approved by Austria's government and the building's owner, the yellow home in the upper Austrian town will be named "House of Responsibility".
They hope that the new name will demystify the building's cult appeal to neo-Nazis, reported Fox News.
Hitler was born in this Austrian home on April 20, 1889. He was the leader of Germany's Nazi Party. History has documented that Hitler's Third Reich officials led the massacre of 6 million Jewish people, during the World War II, known as the holocaust.
New Plan
The museum plan for the Hitler's building has been proposed by Austrian historian, Andreas Maislinger, who wanted the building to be dedicated to crimes against humanity. The plan has also been supported by Branko Lustig, producer of the film "Schindler's List".
Many proposals came up for using the historic building in a memorable way. A controversy had erupted over a plan to make the building a centre for immigrants. But the plan was blocked by politicians who argued for a better use. The proposal to open the building as a housing unit, triggered the concerns that Hitler fans would move in.
The building has already been used for many functions-- library, bank, high school and as a workshop for the mentally retarded.
Owner
Now the building is owned by Gerlinde Pommer, a retiree whose family has been owning the building since 1912. It was rented to the Austrian Interior Ministry in 1972.
But the Interior Ministry was keen on stopping the Hitler fans in making the building a centre of their activities. However, the owner did not allow local officials to mark the site with any plaque warning the evils of fascism.
They were keen to convert the house into a space that was free from controversies. Suggestions to create an anti-Nazi memorial were as also shot down. The final call on the new proposal will be taken by the interior ministry of Austria, which will approve the project before the end of the year.