LUDI: Digitization and recording of refugee files VSJF Lucerne

The IB VSJF Archive Lucerne collection before it was taken over by the Archives of Contemporary History.
The IB VSJF Archive Lucerne collection before it was taken over by the Archives of Contemporary History.

Aim of the project

Digitization of the entire VSJF Lucerne holdings (4.75 linear metres) via the DigiCenter of the ETH and recording of the refugee dossiers contained therein (around 1000 dossiers) in the VSJF refugee database.
Improved access (especially for users from abroad), facilitation of scientific research.

Description of the project

The archive of the Association of Swiss Jewish Welfare/Refugee Aid (VSJF) has been housed in the Archives of Contemporary History since the 1990s. It is one of the most frequently used fonds. In addition to the VSJF fonds, the AfZ also took over the archive of the local committee in Lucerne, VSJF Luzern, in 2011. This covers a period from 1943 to 1961 and a total of 4.75 linear meters, including around 1000 refugee dossiers. A random check has shown that around half of these people do not have a dossier in the VSJF main collection. The dossiers of the VSJF Lucerne differ greatly from those in the main VSJF collection, for example they contain hardly any questionnaires, but instead contain information about more personal and intensive refugee support on site.

The AfZ has created its own research database for the VSJF holdings, which enables searches within the refugee dossiers according to a variety of parameters (age, gender, geographical origin, date of entry, place of residence, onward journey, health, etc.). This means that specific inquiries can also be answered, for example if researchers want to write a paper on female refugees who came to Switzerland in the post-war years and needed psychiatric help.

In line with the indexing, digitization and database entry of the VSJF main fonds (see also projects DEFA and EFAF), the files of the VSJF Lucerne are now also being digitized and entered in the AfZ-internal VSJF refugee database.

Synergies and context

By digitizing the files, valuable cultural assets are made accessible and preserved. The holdings are prepared for digitization by the AfZ in close consultation with the DigiCenter (AVOR), transported to the DigiCenter and digitized there - mainly using the incident light process.

Time frame

2024


Contact

Sabina Bossert
Specialist in Jewish contemporary history
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