An Heiress Turned Rescuer during the Holocaust

Muriel Gardiner in 1934, the year she began her career in the Austrian resistance. —Courtesy of Connie Harvey

She was a multimillionaire at age 11, but as she got older wanted no part of life as a socialite. Living in Vienna as the Nazis seized control, American Muriel Gardiner used her money, connections, and quick thinking to save lives. She lied to border agents, smuggled fake papers in her corset, provided safe haven for Jewish friends and strangers, and had her own close call with the Gestapo. Later, from America, Muriel poured her heart and resources into helping Austrian refugees — though her husband got most of the credit. In this digital program, learn about Muriel’s secret life.