Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers, 1922-1968, bulk Bulk, 1922-1947

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers
Dates:
1922-1968, bulk Bulk, 1922-1947
Creators:
Kaufmann family
Abstract:
The collection is comprised of identification and travel documents relating to the Kaufman family's experiences in Shanghai from 1941-1947, together with certificates, mostly employment related, from Germany during the period 1922-1940. The collection also includes two Nazi armbands.
Containers:
Folder: Archives Box 4
Extent:
0.1 Linear feet comprising three folders of documents and artifacts
Language:
and Materials are in German, English, and Chinese.
Preferred citation:

Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers - 1988.1122, Tauber Holocaust Library - JFCS Holocaust Center, San Francisco, California

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents the experiences of a Jewish German couple who fled Germany and spent the war years in Shanghai, China. The collection includes documents related to Herbert Kaufman's life in Germany before their emigration, including several letters of recommendation, as well as passport, work and other certificates. Documents from Shanghai include a resident certificate for Gertrud Kaufman; and travel permit, letters of recommendation for Herbert Kaufman and his affidavit in lieu of passport, allowing him to emigrate to the United States; and immunization records for Gertrude and Herbert Kaufman. The collection also includes two Nazi armbands.

Biographical / historical:

Herbert Kaufman was in Essen, Germany in 1904. He lived in Herne, where he worked for different businesses as a laborer and salesman. He fled to Shanghai, China in July 1940, and spent the war years there, where he worked as a fireman from 1941 to 1944. Mr. Kaufman worked for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee from 1944 to 1946 as a camp guard, and emigrated to the United States in June 1947. He was married to Gertrud Kaufmann. They and their two children were featured in an article in a local Oakland newspaper, which showed them eating their first Thanksgiving dinner, probably in the early 1950s.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Judith Janec
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2012-06-26T13:42-0700

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions to access for this collection. However, several documents are fragile and cannot be handled.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions to use for this collection.

Preferred citation:

Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers - 1988.1122, Tauber Holocaust Library - JFCS Holocaust Center, San Francisco, California

Location of this collection:
JFCS Holocaust Center
2245 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94115, US
Contact:
(415) 449-3717