Who Is Miep Gies? Age, Biography and Wiki
Miep Gies, born on February 15, 1909, in Vienna, Austria, was a Dutch citizen who became widely recognized for her role in hiding Anne Frank and her family during World War II. In 2025, Gies would be 116 years old if she were alive. Her courageous actions in providing shelter and support for the Frank family made her a pivotal figure in the story of Anne Frank and highlighted the steadfast spirit of humanity in times of adversity.
Occupation | Service |
---|---|
Date of Birth | February 15, 1909 |
Age | 100 Years |
Birth Place | Vienna, Austria-Hungary |
Horoscope | Aquarius |
Country | Netherlands |
Date of death | 11 January, 2010 |
Died Place | Hoorn, Netherlands |
Popularity
Miep Gies's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding Miep Gies' physical statistics are somewhat limited, but she was known to have a modest stature, manifesting a strong presence that resonated with her resilient character. While specific height and weight measurements may not be recorded, Miep maintained an active lifestyle that contributed to her health and vigor throughout her life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Miep Gies married Jan Gies, a Dutch civil servant, in 1941. Their union lasted throughout Miep’s life, as they worked together to support those in need during the war. Jan was instrumental in helping Miep provide shelter to the Frank family. Together, the couple never had children, but their partnership symbolized love and resilience amidst the horrors of war.
Otto Frank had just relocated from Germany and had been appointed managing director of Opekta's recently expanded Dutch operations. Gies, Frank's employee, became a close friend of the family, as did her fiancé, Jan Gies.
After refusing to join a Nazi women's association, her passport was invalidated, and she was ordered to be deported back to Austria within 90 days (by then annexed by Germany, which classified her as a German citizen).
The couple faced some difficulties, but they were married on 16 July 1941 so that she could obtain Dutch citizenship and thus evade deportation. "Anne was impressed with my gold ring. She looked at it dreamily. (...) Because times were hard, we had only one ring, although the custom was for a couple to have two.
Henk [In her book, Miep called Jan by the name of Henk, because Anne Frank had used that pseudonym in her diary] and I had barely scraped together enough money for one gold ring.
He had insisted that I should wear it." Gies's fluency in Dutch and German helped the Frank family assimilate into Dutch society, and she and her husband became regular guests at the Franks' home.
Net Worth and Salary
Miep Gies’ net worth, particularly during the years she was known for her humanitarian efforts, was modest. She did not accumulate wealth through traditional means, given her focus on helping others over financial gain. Her contributions to history and literature through the preservation of Anne Frank's legacy are invaluable, yet the financial aspects were not her priority.
Career, Business and Investments
Miep Gies’ career centered around her selfless acts during World War II. After the war, she became a pivotal figure in educating the public about the Holocaust and the impact of antisemitism. Miep's commitment to sharing Anne Frank's story led her to work with various organizations and contribute to numerous projects focused on human rights and historical remembrance. She wrote books and gave lectures that focused on her experiences and lessons learned, effectively becoming an ambassador for peace.
Hermine "Miep" Gies (15 February 1909 – 11 January 2010) was one of the Dutch citizens who hid Anne Frank, her family (Otto, Margot, Edith) and four other Dutch Jews (Fritz Pfeffer, Hermann van Pels, Auguste van Pels, Peter van Pels) from the Nazis in an annex above Otto Frank's business premises during World War II.
She was Austrian by birth, but in 1920, at the age of eleven, she was taken in as a foster child by a Dutch family in Leiden to whom she became very attached.
Although she was only supposed to stay for six months, this stay was extended to one year because of frail health, after which Gies chose to remain with them, living the rest of her life in the Netherlands.
Social Network
Throughout her lifetime, Miep Gies was known for her strong connections with various social networks, primarily those tied to humanitarian causes and historical education. She was deeply involved with organizations dedicated to preserving the memories of the Holocaust and educating future generations. In the digital age, Miep’s legacy is shared across numerous platforms, with her story reaching new audiences via social media, documentaries, and educational programs worldwide.
In collaboration with Alison Leslie Gold, Gies wrote the book Anne Frank Remembered: The Story of the Woman Who Helped to Hide the Frank Family in 1987. She died in 2010 at age 100.
Education
Miep Gies' educational background is characterized by her lifelong learning and commitment to knowledge. While she may not have had formal higher education, her experiences during the war and her interactions with influential figures in history provided her with an education that transcended traditional schooling. Miep dedicated her life to educating others about compassion, resilience, and the dangers of hate, making her a respected voice in Holocaust education.
In 1994, Gies was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany as well as the Wallenberg Medal by the University of Michigan. In 1997, she was knighted in the Order of Orange-Nassau by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The minor planet 99949 Miep Gies is named in her honor.
She always maintained that while she appreciated the honors, they embarrassed her: "I am not a hero. I am not a special person. I don't want attention. I did what any decent person would have done."