Sale of Nazi items at Cambridge, Ont. antique mall sparks debate
CTV
Nazi memorabilia available for purchase inside a Cambridge antiques mall is sparking debate over whether the public sale of these wartime items are educational or harmful.
Nazi memorabilia available for purchase inside a Cambridge antiques mall is sparking debate over whether the public sale of these wartime items are educational or harmful.
“As an antiques mall, we don't support cancel culture,” said Nicole Robert, manager of Southworks Antiques on Water Street. “I feel like it evokes conversations that are very important. We don't want to forget our mistakes as a people.”
The antiques mall features 150 vendor booths. Among them is a booth that contains numerous items related to the Nazi war era, including medals, helmets, and silverware with swastika symbols.
“We felt it was a strong idea to treat it like a museum to teach people about the items,” explained Robert.
A written display is placed beside the items to explain its historical context. Roberts said the mall also has several historians on staff who help research and create the info cards.
“I can't change the past. I really hope that the conversations about the past can change the future. I would like a peaceful future,” added Robert.
