Family History in National Socialism: Evening Discussion at the City Archive Erlangen
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Family History in National Socialism: Remembering, Researching, Contextualizing
How did one's own ancestors behave during National Socialism? Which sources assist in research, and how can personal insights be historically contextualized? The evening discussion at the City Archive Erlangen on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, is dedicated to the challenging exploration of family history.
Between Family Memory and Historical Source
The online availability of the NSDAP membership card index on the website of the U.S. National Archives opens up new possibilities for family research. At the same time, questions, uncertainties, and sometimes emotional burdens arise. In the reading room of the City Archive, the focus is on learning about research paths, critically examining initial results, and situating personal family stories within the historical context of the years 1933 to 1945.
Expert Insights from Archives and Science
City Archivist Dr. Andreas Jobst will first provide an overview of the processing of Nazi history. He will then discuss, along with Professor Dr. Christina Strunck, methods, experiences, and challenges of family research. Christina Strunck, head of the Art History Institute at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, will present results from her own research and read passages from her book The Climbers. The German Middle Class under Hitler: A Family History.
An Evening for Historical Curiosity and Responsible Research
The event thrives on open exchange: visitors can ask questions about research, share their own experiences, and discuss how to deal with contradictory or distressing findings. The calm atmosphere of the reading room creates a suitable setting for this. The event management of the City Archive combines scientific expertise with an approachable target audience and explicitly invites collective reflection.
Conclusion: History Often Begins in One's Own Family
The evening discussion provides orientation for anyone looking to research their family history during National Socialism or to better understand initial findings. Those who want to not only collect historical sources but critically evaluate and personally contextualize them will experience an informative and reflective evening at the City Archive Erlangen. Admission is free.
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