Welcome!
The home page of the Estonian Archives in Germany had its beginnings in a project titled the Archives of the Estonian Society of Cologne in the Federal Republic of Germany. The archival project, supported by the Compatriot Program (Estonian Ministry of Education and Research), was started in 2007.
As German Estonians were and are mainly active in local organizations, the materials of these organizations reflect a vivid and unique history. Unlike, for example, Canada, the U.S., Sweden and Australia where strong Estonian central archives sprang up, such an archive was never established in Germany for several objective and subjective reasons. Therefore, the whole documentary heritage illuminating the formation, development and destiny of the German Estonian community has remained dispersed and in danger of perishing.
The Estonian Society of Cologne has taken the issue seriously and set itself an aim to arrange and preserve the archival documents of historical-cultural value that had been produced in the course of its activities and to make these documents partly accessible through Internet.
The aim of the Estonian Archives in Germany is to collect and preserve the materials of the member societies of the Estonian Society in the Federal Republic of Germany, including the societies that have finished their activities, and other Estonian associations. It will be possible for private persons to put up their private archives on the home page as well. One can also visit virtual exhibitions related to local Estonians, read articles on archival matters, get advice on how to make up different documents, etc. In future it should be possible to search for information about the archival collections of German Estonians on the home page.
The Estonian Society of Cologne has a pleasure to call on all German Estonians to actively contribute to the preservation of Estonians’ cultural heritage.
The home page of the Estonian Archives in Germany was completed as a joint project of the Estonian Society of Cologne and Baltic Heritage Network.
The home page was sponsored by the Compatriot Program (Estonian Ministry of Education and Research). Many thanks!
