A jigsaw puzzle that has not yet been completed and is based on various historical documents.

Searching for Clues in the Archive

Workshop for School Groups Ages 15 to 19 (in German)

What do personal documents such as diaries, old documents, letters or photographs tell us about the lives of Jews under National Socialism? In our workshop, participants reconstruct individual life and family stories in small groups. Under the guidance of archive staff, they will research original documents from our archive and discover stories that have often not yet been told.

By appointment

Map with all buildings that belong to the Jewish Museum Berlin. The W. M. Blumenthal Academy is marked in green

Where

W. M. Blumenthal Academy, Archives
Fromet-und-Moses-Mendelssohn-Platz 1, 10969 Berlin
Postal address: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin

Where, when, what?

Participants learn to analyze historical sources and place them in their historical context: When is the document from? Who is speaking here – and with what intention? What does the document tell us about the circumstances of the time? In addition to source criticism, participants also practise deciphering old manuscripts. With a detective's instinct and a dose of curiosity, they explore topics such as discrimination and persecution, emigration, deportation and survival in illegality.

The group phase lasts around 90 minutes and ends – after a break – with a joint final round in which the groups present and discuss their findings. The workshop not only promotes historical learning, but also methodological skills in dealing with original documents, empathy and teamwork.

A hand with a cotton glove holds a historical identity card up to the camera. Other historical documents can be seen in the background. — Documents from the archive of the Jewish Museum Berlin; photo: Jörg Waßmer

Where, when, what?

WhenBy appointment
Duration3 hours (incl. break)
Where W. M. Blumenthal Academy, Archives
Fromet-und-Moses-Mendelssohn-Platz 1, 10969 Berlin
Postal address: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin
See location on map

Information and ReservationJörg Waßmer Tel.: +49 (0)30 259 93 332 archive@jmberlin.de

Please noteIn preparation of the workshop, there will be a briefing with the group leader.

Cost65 € (including admission; for 25 ppl. + 1 chaperon)

Age 15–19 years

Number of participants up to 25

LanguageGerman