The Bad Arolsen - ITS (International Tracing Service) Archives
Research Experience:
Film and Panel Discussion
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
Monday, November 10, 2008
7:30 PM
In May 2008, 40 genealogists spent a week researching at the International Tracing Service archives in Bad Arolsen, Germany, the most important repository in the world containing information about individual victims of World War II. Although its stated mission was to document "the fate of the victims of Nazi persecution," it remained closed to the public for more than 50 years. A short video will provide a first-hand look at the vast resources of the ITS and what the on-site research process looks like, followed by a panel discussion in which three trip participants -- Lori Miller, Judi Gyori Missels and Pamela Weisberger -- will offer their unique perspectives on their experience. The program will include:
- Description of ITS, the archives, categories of documents and their accessibility to the public
- Gaining access to and researching in the archives
- Obtaining copies of documents
- Analyzing documents for greater meaning
- How to research the ITS archives yourself
- Community documents as an adjunct to personal research
Both programs are free to JGSLA members and $5 for guests.