Donation of Autograph Book with Verse by Anne Frank

The Anne Frank House has received a special donation from Jacqueline Sanders-Van Maarsen: her autograph book with a handwritten verse by Anne Frank, dated 23 March 1942. The now 95-year-old Jacqueline has carefully preserved the album with Anne’s verse over the years as a testament to their deep friendship.

“We are immensely pleased and honoured by Jacqueline Sanders-van Maarsen’s donation. The autograph book with a verse from her friend Anne Frank was invaluable to her. We will cherish the album with the verse and temporarily display it in the Anne Frank House for museum visitors to see.” - Ronald Leopold, executive director of the Anne Frank House

Writing verses in classmates and friends autograph books or poëziealbums was a popular pastime at the time, especially among girls. “Dear Jacq,” Anne Frank began her verse to her friend and classmate Jacqueline van Maarsen on 23 March 1942, a few months before going into hiding. Anne continues: “Always remain a ray of sunshine,/ At school: a kind child,/ To me: my dearest friend,/ Then you will be loved by everyone.” She concludes with: “In memory of your friend Anne Frank”. The poem is accompanied by a postcard with a drawing of a girl picking flowers and a passport photo of Anne herself.

In honour of the special gift and with Jacqueline van Maarsen’s consent, the Anne Frank Stichting has established a special fund: the Jacqueline van Maarsen Schools Fund. This fund allows primary schools in the Netherlands to follow an educational programme and visit the Anne Frank House.

“I hope that many students will visit the Anne Frank House through the Schools Fund and learn about the life and work of Anne Frank, about the persecution of the Jews and the Second World War, and about friendship and solidarity.” - Jacqueline Sanders-van Maarsen