Mail Yvonne Oddon

Nestled within Aubervilliers, the Mail Yvonne Oddon holds a fascinating story. This isn’t just a street. It’s a tribute to a remarkable woman. Yvonne Oddon, born in 1902, was a librarian, a resistance fighter, and a pioneer in her field. She directed the library of the Musée de l’Homme in Paris. Oddon meticulously cataloged and organized the museum’s vast collection, implementing methods she learned during her studies in American libraries. Her work at the Musée de l’Homme went beyond books. As World War II engulfed Europe, Oddon became a key figure in the French Resistance. Working alongside colleagues like Boris Vildé and Anatole Lewitsky, she transformed the museum into a hub for clandestine activities. Oddon facilitated the escape of prisoners of war, gathered intelligence, and helped establish the underground newspaper “Résistance”. Her bravery came at a price. In 1941, Oddon and Lewitsky were arrested after being betrayed by two museum employees. Sentenced to death, her sentence was later commuted to deportation. She endured imprisonment in various German camps, including Ravensbrück, before finally being liberated in 1945. Despite the hardships she faced, Oddon returned to her post at the Musée de l’Homme, dedicating herself to rebuilding and preserving the library. The Mail Yvonne Oddon stands as a testament to her unwavering courage and dedication to knowledge. Her story, interwoven with the history of the Musée de l’Homme and the French Resistance, reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit.