Collection Guide
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Guide to the Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers
1988.1122
1988.1122
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Title: Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers
Identifier/Call Number: 1988.1122
Contributing Institution:
Tauber Holocaust Library
Language of Material:
German
Container: Archives Box 4
Physical Description:
0.1 Linear feet
comprising three folders of documents and artifacts
Date (bulk): Bulk, 1922-1947
Date (inclusive): 1922-1968
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.
Creator:
Kaufmann family
There are no restrictions to use for this collection.
Conditions Governing Access note
There are no restrictions to access for this collection. However, several documents are fragile and cannot be handled.
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.
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.
Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers - 1988.1122, Tauber Holocaust Library - JFCS Holocaust Center, San Francisco, California
Related Archival Materials note
See also Gertrude Kaufman oral history interview - OHP.9622.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Kaufmann family
Armbands -- Germany
Certificates -- Germany
Certificates -- Shanghai
Jewish families -- Germany
Jewish ghettos -- China -- Shanghai
Jewish refugees -- China -- Shanghai
Jews -- China -- Shanghai
Passports
Travel documents -- China -- Shanghai
United States -- Emigration and immigration
World War, 1939-1945 -- China -- Shanghai