Archives of Danish Occupation History 1940-1945

"Archives of Danish Occupation History 1940-1945" (Historisk Samling fra Besættelsestiden 1940-1945) is an institution which keeps archives from the time of the German occupation of Denmark and from the time immediate before and after this period. The institution is situated at the centre of Esbjerg town in a large and architecturally remarkable house from 1906 which is shared with the town's record office.

An almost complete collection of Danish clandestine leaflets and books from the time of the German occupation make up the main part of the archives, but in connection to this you will find other material about the occupation in the form of photos, private archives, documents about the resistance movement, about the political parties and many other things. In general, the Archives cover all parts of Denmark. However, the geographical placement of the Archives in the western part of Jutland is reflected in the material.

The collection of original documents, clandestine leaflets and writings and a collection of handbooks are available for historical research, exhibitions, educational work directed to primary and lower secondary schools, gymnasiums, colleges of education, universities etc., and to everyone else who is looking for information on the Second World War, the time of the German occupation, and related subjects.

Apart from the original documents the Archives have a number of microfilmed documents from Germany, the USA and Great Britain which illuminate the policy in Denmark during the time of the German occupation and the general history of the Second World War.

A standing photo exhibition about Esbjerg during the time of occupation is found in connection with the premises of the Archives.

Parallel with the collecting, registering and keeping of documents from the time of occupation an extensive fieldwork is carried out in the form of teaching, giving lectures, and making research into the history of the time of occupation and related subjects.

The communication work consists among other things of a number of lectures, exhibitions, and guidance to pupils, students and teachers at education institutions all over this country. "Archives of Danish Occupation History 1940-1945" co-operate with other institutions at local and national as well as at international level. In Esbjerg and its surrounding area the other institutions dealing with the history of civilization and the local education system are the co-operating parts. At a national level the Royal Library (Det Kongelige Bibliotek), the Museum for Denmark's Struggle for Liberty (Museet for Danmarks Frihedskamp) and the universities co-operate with the Archives in fields like collection, communication as well as research. Furthermore, the Archives co-operate on an international level with institutions in France and Norway.

Opening hours:

Tuesday: 10-12 AM

Thursday: 10-12 AM, 1-6 PM

Telephones are answered every workday at 10-12 AM, 13-15 AM

Address:

HSB

Niels Bohrs Vej 9

DK-6700 Esbjerg

Denmark

Telephone: +45 65 50 42 50

Fax: +45 65 50 42 51

E-mail: hsb@hsb.dk

The institution is closed in July