Using the Archives
The archives of the Martin Opitz Library contain unpublished sources relating to German history and culture in Eastern Europe.
The holdings include personal papers and estates, as well as collections and archives of individuals, associations and organisations. These materials generally have a regional connection to specific historical regions, such as Silesia, East Prussia, Galicia and Volhynia, or to individual places, such as Breslau, Königsberg and Łódź.
The archives also collect documents relating to war, flight, expulsion and forced migration in the aftermath of the First and Second World Wars. The following information provides guidance on using the archives.
The archival holdings include, in particular:
- Genealogical records (church registers, civil registers, personal documents)
- Local histories and local documentation
- Local history collections of associations representing individual towns and districts (special collections)
- Historical postcards and photographs
- Historical newspaper clippings
- Personal records and accounts (ego documents such as autobiographies, diaries, letters, and accounts of war and flight)
- Records of associations and organisations (special collections)
- Personal papers and estates
Access to the Archives
The Martin Opitz Library welcomes anyone interested in consulting its archival records in the reading room, in accordance with the regulations governing access to the archives. For users who are unable to visit the Library in person, written enquiries about specific archival records can also be submitted.
Researching Archival Records
The archival records are catalogued, indexed and stored in accordance with professional archival standards. Most of the archival holdings are listed in our online catalogue, where you can find the reference codes needed to request records for consultation in the reading room. Separate finding aids are available for archival records held in certain special collections.
Some of the archival records – including numerous civil registers and church registers – have been digitised and can be accessed through our Digital Collections. We are, of course, happy to assist you in finding the information and records you are looking for.
Before Your Visit
Before visiting the Martin Opitz Library and consulting archival records, please complete the registration form and return it to us by email or post at least one week before your visit. Completing the form is a prerequisite for using the archives.
Please include the reference codes of the archival records you would like to consult in the reading room with your registration form. If you do not yet have the relevant reference codes, you can find them using our online catalogue. We will check whether any applicable access restrictions or retention periods apply and then let you know whether your request has been approved.
Consulting Archival Records in the Reading Room
The archival records you have requested will be made available to you in the reading room. Archival records cannot be borrowed. Paper or digital copies of archival records may only be made by Library staff. Exceptions require prior permission from the Director. Copies of archival records are for private use only and may not be passed on to third parties.
Enquiries for Remote Users
If you are unable to visit the Martin Opitz Library in person, you can send us a written enquiry by email or by post. Where there are no legal restrictions, we can provide copies of archival records. Please note that, due to limited staff resources, we are unable to carry out extensive research on your behalf.
Archive Use Fees
Use of the reading room is free of charge.
Additional services, such as copying and digitisation, are subject to charges in accordance with our schedule of fees.
Publication of Archival Records in Print and Online
Publication of archival records in print or online is only permitted with the prior approval of the Martin Opitz Library.
Requests can be submitted by email or by post.