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Lasker Family Collection

 Collection
Identifier: AR 5136

Scope and Content Note

This collection documents Helmuth Lasker's genealogical research project on the origins of his family. Series includes research notes, notes, and drafts of the Descriptive genealogy of the Lasker family compiled by Helmuth Lasker and Rabbi M. Koppenheim. There is also a large amount of correspondence sent out and received by H. Lasker in an attempt to collect more information on the family. Correspondents include a large array of individuals both in Central Europe and the United States, Jewish congregations (For the most part in the area of what today is Poland and Lithuania), and research institutes such as Gesamtarchiv der deutschen Juden in Berlin and YIVO in Vilnius. Most of the work on the Descriptive Genealogy appears to have occurred during the years 1935-1936, while Lasker lived in Berlin. The manuscript and family tree attempt to trace the Lasker family back to the biblical time of King David, but the research primarily documents the time period from 1680 to the early twentieth century. It focuses on descendents of Meier Hindel, rabbi in Łask, Łódź province, Poland.

The second series includes original vital documents as well as family papers and correspondence dating to the nineteenth century. A few documents pertain to the family of Daniel and Rebecca Lasker, parents of the liberal politician Eduard Lasker. This series also includes some correspondence, including one letter from Louis Herzfeld in Guatemala (1893). Finally, there are a few printed wedding poems and reprints and transcripts of speeches memorializing Eduard Lasker.

Dates

  • 1848-1981

Creator

Language of Materials

This collection is in German, English, and Polish.

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to researchers.

Access Information

Collection is digitized. Follow the links in the Container List to access the digitized materials.

Use Restrictions

There may be some restrictions on the use of the collection. For more information, contact:

Leo Baeck Institute, Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011

email: lbaeck@lbi.cjh.org

Biographical Note

The Lasker family was prominent in the German-Jewish community in Posen during the nineteenth century and includes Eduard Lasker, revolutionary of 1848, leader of the Liberal Party, and associate of Bismarck.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (15 folders)

Abstract

This collection documents Helmuth Lasker's genealogical research project on the origins of his family. In addition to drafts of Lasker's genealogical manuscript, there is extensive correspondence, as well as some family, personal, and vital papers.

Other Finding Aid

An inventory is available in folder 1.

Title
Guide to the Lasker Family Collection, 1848-1981  AR 5136
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by LBI Staff
Date
© 2011
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Revision Statements

  • December 07, 2011 : Links to digital objects added in Container List.
  • March 24, 2012 : Links to digital objects added in Container List.

Repository Details

Part of the Leo Baeck Institute Repository

Contact:
15 West 16th Street
New York NY 10011 United States