Georg Wiener Collection

The collection comprises 10 folders containing the original Georg Wiener collection at the beginning, followed by the collection formerly entitled “Oppeln Jewish Community”. The contents are divided into manuscripts, correspondence and community registers. Correspondence folders are arranged alphabetically. Manuscripts are arranged chronologically, where applicable.

The manuscripts contain very detailed and comprehensive information regarding the history of the Oppeln Jewish community. Most of the shorter ones are handwritten in old German script, the longer ones are typed. Sometimes there are drafts. The first folder of the collection holds manuscripts that cover Oppeln Jewish history or general Jewish history and are ordered according to Wiener's own numbering. A cover sheet with a detailed list of contents is in the folder of manuscripts.

The correspondence folders include letters between former members of the Oppeln community (post-war) or descendents of members searching for community records (1930s). These will be useful for individuals doing genealogy research as they often contain detailed information regarding a specific family. One letter to Wiener’s brother contains a partial family tree.

There are several folders containing typed copies of the Oppeln and Krappitz Jewish community registers. These charts contain dates for births, marriages and deaths of community members from the late 1700s to the mid/late 1800s. Wiener typed them up from the originals in the mid 1930s. They will be very useful for individuals who know their ancestors are from Oppeln or the surrounding area.

There is also a photo of the Oppeln synagogue burning on Kristallnacht and a postcard of the synagogue, from the early 20th century (folder 10).