Events
Recognition for the Invisible –
A Look Behind the Scenes (Part 10)
Archival work usually takes place in silence. It consists of careful organization, attentive preservation, and many decisions that are rarely visible, yet whose impact is long-term. All the more are we pleased that this work has now been publicly recognized.
The Edith Stein Archive was recently awarded the Edith Stein Prize by the Edith Stein Society Poland. The citation explicitly highlights the overall context of our activities. It refers not only to the scholarly and cultural significance of the Archive’s work, but also to the responsible handling of the original materials entrusted to us: their proper storage, their conservation, and their long-term protection. We understand this distinction not as recognition of a single project or individual measure, but as confirmation of a fundamental archival ethos: that research, mediation, and preservation belong together inseparably.
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The careful preservation of photographs, manuscripts, and documents is not a purely technical task. It is an expression of an ethical commitment—to do justice to cultural heritage, not merely to make use of it, but also to safeguard it for future generations. Decisions concerning climate control, storage, or conservation measures are therefore always also decisions about responsibility and the future.
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This award encourages us to continue consistently along this path. It makes visible that even the often inconspicuous, everyday aspects of archival work—preserving, stabilizing, and thinking ahead—are perceived as an essential part of cultural work. We understand this recognition as an obligation: to continued care, professional precision, and a sustainable approach to the heritage entrusted to us.
We would also like to remind you that our project is supported by the NRW Foundation (https://www.nrw-stiftung.de/) as well as by the Ricarda van der Sandt Foundation within the Foundation Center of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
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Stable Conditions for Fragile Testimonies
– A Look Behind the Scenes (Part 9)
An often underestimated yet crucial aspect of archival work is the indoor climate. Historical documents, photographs, and manuscripts are extremely sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Due to climate change, increasingly hot summers, and more pronounced temperature variations, these materials are today exposed to significantly greater stress than they were just a few decades ago. Even minor deviations from stable climatic conditions can cause long-term damage: paper may become brittle, photographs may fade or undergo chemical changes. Protecting original holdings therefore requires not only professional handling but also appropriate technical conditions.
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For this reason, the Edith Stein Archive has taken an important step: we have decided to acquire a climate-controlled special storage cabinet for the secure preservation of our originals. This system ensures constant regulation of temperature and humidity, thus creating stable conditions for particularly sensitive visual and written materials.
Today, conservation means more than careful manual work. It requires forward-looking decisions and a responsible response to changing climatic challenges. Only in this way can the cultural heritage entrusted to us be protected in the long term and preserved for future generations.
We would like to remind you that our project is supported by the NRW Foundation (https://www.nrw-stiftung.de/) as well as by the Ricarda van der Sandt Foundation within the Foundation Center of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
Protecting Fragile Treasures
– A Behind-the-Scenes Look (Part 8)
After the digitization, a particularly sensitive part of our work now begins: the conservation of the originals. Each photograph is handled individually, carefully examined, and then wrapped in acid-free paper. Only then is it placed in specially designed archival boxes that ensure protection and stability for many years to come.
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It may sound like a simple routine – but in reality, every single step requires great attention and patience. The materials are fragile, and some photographs are over a hundred years old. Only through such careful treatment can we ensure that Edith Stein’s visual legacy is preserved for future generations.
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We are very grateful to our research associate Lucrezia Zanardi for her expert guidance and the care with which she carries out this process.
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We would like to remind you that our project is supported by the NRW Foundation as well as by the Ricarda van der Sandt Foundation within the Foundation Center of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
The project enters its second stage –
Original photographs under special protection
– Behind the scenes (Part 7)
We are pleased to report that the first phase of our project has been successfully completed: all photographs of the Edith Stein Photo Archive have now been digitized. This marks a crucial step towards permanently safeguarding this unique visual heritage and making it accessible for research.
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The second stage now begins, dedicated entirely to the conservation of the originals. Each individual photograph is carefully handled, wrapped in protective archival paper, and placed in specially designed professional archival boxes. In this way, the fragile materials are not only stabilized and protected from further damage but also preserved under optimal conditions for the long term.​ Through this work, we are laying the foundation to ensure that the photographs remain preserved for future generations – as part of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Edith Stein.
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We would like to remind you that our project is supported by the NRW Foundation (https://www.nrw-stiftung.de/) as well as by the Ricarda van der Sandt Foundation at the Foundation Center of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
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Between Original and Digital Copy – Protection and Responsibility. A Look Behind the Scenes (Part 6)
Digitization is now one of the central tasks of archival work. Nevertheless, it is often accompanied by misunderstandings. Not infrequently, the impression arises that a digital image could replace the original or diminish the significance of its materiality. Within the framework of the photo project “Preservation and Digitization of the Edith Stein Photo Archive: A Contribution to the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage,” however, it becomes clear that the opposite is the case.
Digitization is not a substitute for the original but a means of protecting it. Every original—especially historical photographs—is a unique witness whose materiality, processes of aging, and state of preservation are integral to its historical significance. For this very reason, such objects must be protected from unnecessary handling. The creation of high-quality digital reproductions makes it possible to render content visible and usable without repeatedly subjecting the originals to physical strain.
At the same time, digitization opens up new forms of scholarly work. It allows for systematic cataloguing, the comparison of photographic collections, and contextualized analysis—processes that would hardly be possible without digital tools. This, however, presupposes professionally responsible implementation: with clear standards, precise metadata, and integration into overarching archival structures.
It is precisely here that the close connection between preservation and mediation becomes evident. Digitization does not serve rapid availability at any cost, but rather sustainable safeguarding and controlled accessibility. It enables research without endangering material artifacts and creates transparency without relinquishing the protection of cultural heritage.
Working between original and digital reproduction therefore requires particular care and expertise. It entails decisions about what can be shown, how it can be presented, and under what conditions access is granted. These decisions form part of the often invisible archival work that assumes long-term responsibility—for the present and for future generations.
In this sense, digitization is not a technical add-on but an integral component of modern archival practice. It serves preservation rather than replacing it. That this demanding balance is increasingly recognized and appreciated encourages us to continue consistently along this path.
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We would like to remind you that our project is supported by the NRW Foundation (https://www.nrw-stiftung.de/) as well as by the Ricarda van der Sandt Foundation at the Foundation Center of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
Between Silence and Exchange: The Project Lives On
– A Look Behind the Scenes (Part 5)
After a short pause, we return with new insights – because while things may have seemed quiet on the outside, much has been happening behind the scenes. Our project “Edith Stein Photo Archive: Preservation and Digitization – A Contribution to Safeguarding Cultural Heritage”, continues to develop steadily.
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A particular highlight was the exhibition by our colleague Lucrezia Zanardi, titled: “On the Problem of Empathy: A Photographic Investigation”. At the heart of the exhibition was also our photo collection – a visual testimony to the intellectual and historical legacy of Edith Stein.
In addition, we had several opportunities to present the project to an interested audience. One key moment was the international workshop “Shaping Time: Rethinking Archives Through Photographic Practice”, where the Edith Stein Photo Archive was presented as a case study and discussed with experts in photography, archival studies, and art. We would like to sincerely thank all participants for the rich exchange, valuable input, and many encouraging suggestions.
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The project continues – driven by commitment, dialogue, and the firm belief that historical photography is an indispensable part of our cultural memory.
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We would like to remind you that our project is supported by the NRW Foundation (https://www.nrw-stiftung.de/) as well as by the Ricarda van der Sandt Foundation at the Foundation Center of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
The Photo Project in Focus
– A Look Behind the Scenes (Part 4)
We are pleased about the ongoing interest in our photo project: "Preservation and Digitization of the Edith Stein Photo Archive: A Contribution to Safeguarding Cultural Heritage." Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ms. Jennifer Stracke from the Newsletter of the Archdiocese of Cologne. She took a close look at the goals and current progress of the project and accompanied our team member Lucrezia Zanardi during her documentary work in the archive. The resulting article provides a vivid insight into the importance of this project for preserving cultural memory – and for making historical photographs visible in the digital age. Read the article here: Digitalisierung der Fotosammlung: Einblicke in das Leben von Edith Stein
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This project is supported by the NRW Foundation and the Foundation Center of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
Additional support for our digitization project:
Funding from the NRW Foundation –
A Behind-the-Scenes Look (Part 3)
We are pleased to announce that our project for the preservation and digitization of historical photographs at the Edith Stein Archive Cologne is now also supported by the NRW Foundation. In addition to the existing support from the Ricarda van de Sandt Foundation (Foundation Center of the Archdiocese of Cologne), this new commitment marks another important milestone in the long-term preservation of our cultural heritage.
The aim of the project is to safeguard valuable historical photographs, process them digitally, and make them accessible to both the public and researchers. With this funding, we are able to further professionalize our technical infrastructure, ensure sustainable archiving, and present our collections in future digital formats, exhibitions, and publications. We sincerely thank the NRW Foundation for their trust and support. You can find more information about the foundation’s work and projects at: www.nrw-stiftung.de
The Digitization of the Edith Stein Image Archive –
A Behind-the-Scenes Look (Part 2)
Our colleague Lucrezia Zanardi recently surprised us with a large suitcase. But don’t worry, it’s not for a vacation! Instead of swimsuits and sunscreen, the suitcase contains everything we need to digitize and preserve the Edith Stein Photo Archive.
It almost feels like we’re traveling back in time – but instead of a map, we’re using cutting-edge technology to safeguard the invaluable photographs of Edith Stein. This new step brings us closer to our goal of making Edith Stein's photographic legacy accessible for future generations.
We’re excited for the next steps in this project and look forward to sharing more updates with you soon. Stay tuned!
The Digitization of the Edith Stein Image Archive –
A Behind-the-Scenes Look (Part 1)
Since January 2, 2025, we have been working on a special project: the digitization and preservation of the Edith Stein Photo Archive. Today, we would like to introduce the person leading this project: Lucrezia Zanardi.
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Lucrezia Zanardi (born 1994 in Bologna, Italy) is a media artist and a PhD candidate in the field of photography and cultural memory at the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Radboud University Nijmegen. From 2020 to 2024, she carried out an archive-based research project at the Edith Stein Archive in Cologne. Since January 2025, she has been a research associate with us, responsible for the digitization and development of an image database for our archive.
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Lucrezia studied at the IUAV University in Venice and at the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design. She has participated in numerous group projects and exhibitions in Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Her photobook Present Traces of a Past Existence was nominated by LUMA at the Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles in 2021. In addition, she was selected in 2024 by CAMERA Turin as part of the European FUTURES platform. Her works were recently showcased at the ArteFiera Art Fair 2025 in Bologna. Lucrezia lives and works in Bochum. You can find more about her work at www.lucreziazanardi.com.
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