Gretel Mayer Collection

Materials within this collection include correspondence, photographs, family documents dating back to the 18th century, travel documents and naturalization papers.

The largest group of materials are 19th century documents and papers, housed in the second folder, pertaining to Gretel Mayer's ancestors Samuel Meyer and his son the manufacturer Simon Meyer (the spelling seems to have changed to Mayer later in his life). Much of these are vital documents with information on births, deaths, and marriages. A substantial number of documents, including Schutzbriefe (letters of protection), citizenship certificates, residency permits, and Führungszeugnisse (attestations of good character) offer insight into their lives as well. Of special note are two Khalitzah documents and a decree dating to the mid-18th century. Other materials in the collection include a small amount of Gretel Mayer's personal correspondence and some personal papers, including documents from her emigration to the United States and from her restitution claim. In the final folder are a number of family photographs, both snapshots and posed studio portraits, which show both Gretel Mayer herself and relatives in her extended family.