Correspondence regarding Dokumentenwerk - with Bundesministerium des Innern - Lüders, Carl-Heinz

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 1556 3000/9/1/8
  • Dates of Creation
      24/09/1953 - 13/08/1955
  • Language of Material
      German
  • Physical Description
      80 letters

Scope and Content

The correspondence illustrates the broader journalistic and educational context in which the Dokumentenwerk project had been developed, including key actors (among them Alfred Wiener) of these endeavors, the set of planned publications, and negotiations for basic organizational structures.

Regarding the Dokumentenwerk itself light is thrown on the process of its planning and establishment. Furthermore, early stage problems, both financial and individual related, are illustrated. Attached to several letters the correspondence contains memos as well as minutes on meetings, proceedings and workshops.

Administrative / Biographical History

Beginning in 1954 The Wiener Library and the Institute for Contemporary History (IfZ) in Munich worked jointly on an edition of documents (Dokumentenwerk) regarding the persecution of Jews in the Nazi era. Initiated by the Ministry of Interior (BMI) and funded by the Federal Agency for Homeland Service (BHD) this project was part of larger journalistic endeavors by these two authorities to fight and prevent Antisemitism in West Germany. Due to ongoing problems the Dokumentenwerk was cancelled eventually in May 1963.

Dr. Carl Heinz Lüders (1913-2006) was a high ranking West German state official and closely acquainted with Alfred Wiener. Holding a high position in the BMI in the early 1950s, he was one of the initiators and supporters of this project.

Access Information

open

Related Material

See the numerous correspondences on the Dokumentenwerk project within the Pre-1963 Correspondence series.

Personal Names