Research

Archive

The archive of the Esterwegen Memorial collects documents, photos, audiovisual media and objects relating to the history of the 15 Emsland camps. This also includes the subsequent history of the camps as well as the development of the memorial.

Between 1933 and 1945, the 15 Emsland camps had various functions as concentration camps, penal camps and prisoner of war camps. Accordingly, there were diefferent responsibilities within the Nazi system and a wide variety of institutions that created documents. To the extent that original documents still exist, they can be found in several archives, including the Lower Saxony State Archives.

The Esterwegen Memorial was opened in 2011. As a result, the archive contains a comparatively new collection, which mainly includes reproductions of documents from other archives. Original documents from the Nazi era are available to a limited extent. The archive also offers access to a collection of documents from the estates of researchers and journalists who dealt with the history of the Emsland camps. These include Hermann Vinke and Gerhard Kromschröder. Individual memoirs and interviews have survived, mainly in the form of early testimonials from survivors. A prisoner and detainee database as well as a photo archive are currently being compiled. The existing archive materials are being successively digitized.

The most important holdings are:

• Documents relating to the Emsland camps and memorial site work
• Bequests and personal collections
• Photos, posters, postcards
• AV media
• Maps and plans
• Objects and drawings
• Commemorative books
• Collection of newspaper articles

Using the archive

The archive can be used by all interested. The archive provides information about former prisoners and guards of the Emsland camps as well as subject-related information. If you are looking for information on individual fates, family members and other interested parties please send an informal inquiry using the contact form, whereby the most precise information possible regarding the name, place and date of birth as well as the possible period of imprisonment and location will make research much easier. Researchers who are planning extensive subject research are asked to submit an archive request  and send the completed form to the email address below. If a visit is planned, please contact us in advance. The documents can be researched in an archive database in the library reading room. A finding aid provides an overview of the inventory management. The use of the archive is subject to user regulations with the usual legal provisions regarding data protection and copyright.

Ordered archive materials are made available. Reproduction requests cannot be accepted in the reading room. It is possible to make your own photographs for work use only. Please note the citation procedure for archive holdings in accordance with the user regulations.

Opening hours and contact:

Tuesday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Closed from 15.12. to 15.01.
Tel. +49 (0)5955 98 89 50
archiv(at)gedenkstaette-esterwegen.de