The Edith Stein Archive in Cologne preserves a valuable collection of manuscripts and documents that chronicle the life and work of Edith Stein. Particularly noteworthy is the extensive photographic material, which provides a unique insight into her biography, her family, her contemporaries, and significant events in her life. These photographs are not only of inestimable historical value but also of considerable importance to contemporary research.

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Despite the successful cataloguing of the manuscripts, the photographic material remains insufficiently organized, digitized, and protected. The current situation hinders access and poses the risk of losing this valuable material to age-related deterioration. For this reason, a project was initiated to digitize and archive the photographic collection. The goal of this project is to preserve, digitize, and make Edith Stein's photographic legacy accessible to future generations.

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Project Goals

The primary objective of this project is the complete digitization, systematic organization, and long-term preservation of the photographic collection at the Edith Stein Archive. These measures will ensure that the photographs are not only protected from physical damage but also accessible for research and the general public.

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Detailed Goals

• Digitization and Protection: the photographs will be digitized in high resolution to protect the originals from deterioration caused by light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.

• Systematic Organization: a detailed nomenclature and the development of a user-friendly database will ensure long-term management and easy accessibility.

• Promotion of Research: by providing the digitized material with complete metadata, research on Edith Stein and her contemporaries will be greatly facilitated.

• Accessibility and Dissemination: the photographic material will be made publicly accessible through a well-structured database, enabling institutions, media, and the general public to explore the collection.

To ensure the success of this project, we are collaborating with Lucrezia Zanardi, an experienced photographer specializing in archiving and photography. She has worked in the photo archive of a renowned Italian photographer and is an expert in organizing and digitizing photographic materials. Ms. Zanardi will lead the project, ensuring that the photographs are digitized, cataloged, and integrated into a database according to the highest archival standards.

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Funding and Support

The implementation of this project is only possible with financial support. We rely on donations and grants to provide the technical and personnel resources necessary for the digitization, archiving, and organization of this valuable photographic material. Every contribution helps us preserve the cultural heritage of Edith Stein and make it accessible for research and the general public.

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Support us with the photo project
With your help, we can preserve the valuable legacy of Edith Stein and continue advancing the progress of our photo project. Click here to support us.