Gerta Pfeffer collection

Collection

Identifier: MS-2010-13

No requestable containers
Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of correspondence between Gerta Pfeffer and relatives and friends in Europe (primarily Germany) and America. Also included is an autobiographical account by Pfeffer detailing her life in Germany and her immigration to England. All materials are written in German, with the exception of a few English language news clippings.

Dates

Created: 1937-1973

Creator

Pfeffer, Gerta (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

None. The contents of this collection may be subject to copyright. Visit the United States Copyright Office's website at http://www.copyright.gov/ for more information.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet

1 boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of correspondence and an autobiographical account of Gerta Pfeffer, a German Jewish woman who came of age during the Third Reich. Pfeffer’s writings discuss her experiences with anti-Semitism, the rise of the National Socialist German Worker’s Party (Nazi Party), and the economic, interpersonal, and discriminatory struggles she encountered in her homeland. The autobiographical account covers the years 1932-1938, after which Pfeffer immigrated to England to become a housemaid. Pfeffer submitted her account into the 1939 essay contest, “My Life in Germany Before and After 1933,” hosted by Harvard University. Correspondence in the collection dates from 1939-1973, covering Pfeffer’s life after leaving Germany. These letters are personal in nature, regarding life outside of Germany as well as the experiences of friends and relatives residing in assorted zones of Allied-occupied Germany.

Arrangement Note

This collection is separated into two series: correspondece and Pfeffer's autiobiographical account. The first series arranged according to chronology and the second series is ordered according to page number.