Ruth Worth Collection
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains the personal papers of Ruth Worth (1915-1997). The personal documents in the collection include identification papers, identification cards, immunization records, passports, and a family tree book (Familienstammbuch) belonging to Ruth Worth and her parents. Also included is an 1858 apprenticeship contract for Joseph Wertheimer. The personal correspondence is addressed to Elly Wertheimer, Ruth Worth, or Peter Worth. The restitution materials relate to Ruth Worth’s claims for restitution for the interruption of her education and damage to her career. The photographs included here depict Ruth Worth with her family members and pets. Other photographs are held in the LBI Photograph Collection.
Dates
- 1858-1995
- Majority of material found within 1940-1995
Creator
- Worth, Ruth, 1915-1997 (Person)
Language of Materials
The collection is in German, English, and French.
Access Restrictions
This collection is open to researchers.
Access Information
Readers may access the collection by visiting the Lillian Goldman Reading Room at the Center for Jewish History. We recommend reserving the collection in advance; please visit the LBI Online Catalog and click on the "Request" button.
Biographical Note
Ruth Worth was born Ruth Wertheimer in Halberstadt, Germany on April 10, 1915. Her parents were Elly (alternatively Elli) née Bendix, whose family ran a women's clothing store, and Leopold Wertheimer, an authorized signatory (Prokurist) for a business. Ruth grew up in Berlin. In 1938, she left Germany for France and was then detained in Camp de Gurs until June of 1940. In 1941, she immigrated to the United States. She settled in New York City and worked in the administrative offices of Hunter College. She died in 1997.
Extent
0.25 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection consists of the personal papers of Ruth Worth (1915-1997). Born in Halberstadt, Germany, Ruth Worth was held in Camp de Gurs before immigrating to the United States in 1941. Materials include personal correspondence, personal documents, legal papers and correspondence related to restitution and inheritance claims, and a few photographs.
Arrangement
Materials are arranged by document type.
Digitization Note
This collection was digitized and made accessible in its entirety.
Separated Material
The majority of the photographs have been moved to the LBI Photograph Collection.
Processing Information
Materials were rehoused into acid-free archival folders. Photographs were selected and placed in archival envelopes. A copy of the article “‘Komm, ich werf’ dir die Sonne,’” a tribute to actress Elisabeth Bergner, printed in Die Welt on Sunday, August 14, 1977 was removed.
- College administrators -- United States
- Correspondence
- Gurs (Concentration camp)
- Gurs (France)
- Halberstadt (Germany)
- Hunter College
- Identity cards
- Legal documents
- New York (N.Y.)
- Passports
- Photographs
- Restitution
- United States -- Emigration and immigration
- Wertheimer, Elly, 1893-
- Women's clothing industry
- Worth, Ruth, 1915-1997
- Title
- Guide to the Ruth Worth Collection 1858-1995 (bulk 1940-1995) AR 25024
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by Leanora Lange
- Date
- © 2013
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Description is in English.
- Sponsor
- Described, encoded, and digitized as part of the CJH Holocaust Resource Initiative, made possible by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany.
Repository Details
Part of the Leo Baeck Institute Repository
