Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Arts and Humanities Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 56

Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities

Report From Dr. Schweizer On A Trip To Norway And Denmark, May 15, 1944, Bruno Schweizer May 1944

Report From Dr. Schweizer On A Trip To Norway And Denmark, May 15, 1944, Bruno Schweizer

Norwegian Projects

Schweizer describes the results of a trip to Scandinavia designed to investigate opportunities for collaboration with Scandinavian scholars and set goals for language and dialect research, with particular focus on the development of Scandinavian and Germanic language atlasses. The report describes several opportunities for collaboration and names of potential resources, but describes a fraught political situation where collaboration must be conducted privately for fear of backlash for the Scandinavian scholars involved.


Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, February 10, 1944, Heinrich Harmjanz Feb 1944

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, February 10, 1944, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

Heinrich Harmjanz writes to Wolfram Sievers in 1944 to thank him for his holiday wishes and for thinking of him. Now in the military, he discusses former colleagues, whether or not to continue the Ahnenerbe folk studies journal, the protection of the Atlas of German Folklore materials during the war, and complexities of publishing.


Report From Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Ss-Obersturmführer Dr. Vollberg, October 25, 1942, Hans Schwalm Oct 1942

Report From Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Ss-Obersturmführer Dr. Vollberg, October 25, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Hans Schwalm reports on a meeting with SS-Obersturmführer Dr. Vollberg of the SD on October 23, 1942. The meeting focuses on the anti-German sentiment of the Norwegian science community. It is noted that the University of Oslo had been rejecting members of Nasjonal Samling and German patience was wearing thin. They additionally discussed individual scientists with anti-German sentiments, including Anton Wilhelm Brøgger, Sigurd Grieg, Carl Marstrander, and Johannes Bøe. Of particular concern was the appointment of Johannes Bøe to a prestigious position without consulting the German occupiers. Schwalm asked to be informed on such topics. They additionally discussed Eberhard Günther …


Report By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Sd Literature Advisor Ss-Hauptsturmführer Falk, October 21, 1942, Hans Schwalm Oct 1942

Report By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Sd Literature Advisor Ss-Hauptsturmführer Falk, October 21, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

In this document, Hans Schwalm describes a meeting with SS-Hauptsturmführer Falk, literature advisor of the SD. Falk was unable to recommend individuals to collaborate on Ahnenerbe work, but recommended Schwalm reach out to Fin Halvorsen and SS-Obersturmführer Bischof. He described struggling efforts by Gudmud Schnittler to publish a Norwegian lexikon, attributing the failure to anti-German sentiment and refusal to collaborate. He also warns against the circle of people led by Gulbrund Lunde, as they were focused on Norse identity ("norrön") in opposition to a pan-Germanic concept of identity, including efforts to purge German influences from the Norwegian language.


Report By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Alfred Huhnhäuser, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm Oct 1942

Report By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Alfred Huhnhäuser, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

This report by Hans Schwalm on a meeting with Alfred Huhnhäuser discusses possibilities for creating a centralized research institute in Norway. Huhnhäuser was disappointed that his plan would receive no support as long as it included the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Society as the main tie to Germany. He and Schwalm discuss other options. Schwalm reports on the situation of the Ahnenerbe in pursuing such a project, indicating that they are 2 1/2 years behind Huhnhäuser, who has achieved great respect and built solid connections. He indicates that it would be better to work with Huhnhäuser than pursue such a project separately. The document …


Confidential Statement From Hans Schwalm To Hans-Ernst Schneider And Wolfram Sievers On Objections To The Book "Norwegian History" By Martin Gerlach, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm Oct 1942

Confidential Statement From Hans Schwalm To Hans-Ernst Schneider And Wolfram Sievers On Objections To The Book "Norwegian History" By Martin Gerlach, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

In this confidential note, Schwalm discusses a book by German professor Martin Gerlach titled "Norwegian History". Ministerial Councilor Huhnhäuser had several objections to the book's content, with which Schwalm agrees upon a cursory review of the manuscript. The objections relate to the author's Christian perspective and lack of focus on pre-Christian pan-Germanic cultural heritage. It is noted that the book fills a missing gap, that of the German perspective on Norwegian history, and would therefore sell well and be considered the official position of German authorities, due to the regime's reputation for censorship. The letter concludes with a three point …


Letter From Hans Schwalm Regarding His Work In Norway To Schneider And Wolfram Sievers, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm Oct 1942

Letter From Hans Schwalm Regarding His Work In Norway To Schneider And Wolfram Sievers, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm writes to Schneider and Sievers regarding the difficulties of his work in Norway, focusing on lack of proper offices and his planned stay in Posen, which he is hoping will be cancelled to prevent an interruption of the work in Norway. Schwalm indicates the work is not progressing well and any interruption would mean having to start all over again.


Report From Dr. Schwalm On A Meeting With School Director Kern In Oslo, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm Oct 1942

Report From Dr. Schwalm On A Meeting With School Director Kern In Oslo, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm describes a meeting with Kern, who ran a language school in Oslo and had prior affiliations with the Foreign Organization. Kern's precarious position is detailed, including his ouster from the Foreign Organization and the efforts against him and his school by Huhnhäuser and Pudelko of the German Academy. Schwalm describes Kern as one willing to tap into his connections from years of teaching, but who is looking to benefit from this association. Kern refers to the atmosphere among the Norwegian intelligentsia including their reluctance to join the NS and willingness to engage in dialogue with Germans as long as …


Statement By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Ss-Obersturmführer Dr. Ritz Of The Sd, October 15, 1942, Hans Schwalm Oct 1942

Statement By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Ss-Obersturmführer Dr. Ritz Of The Sd, October 15, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Hans Schwalm describes a meeting with SS-Obersturmführer Dr. Ritz regarding plans of Alfred Huhnhäuser for a broad-reaching research facility in Norway. The note describes the challenges involved in such a plan, including the involvement of the Kaiser Wilhelm Society and negative sentiment among Norwegian intellectuals due to the imposition of martial law in Trondheim. It is stated that contact may take long to establish and that a trip to Posen for Schwalm would break off work entirely.


Letter From Rudolf Brandt Of Heinrich Himmler's Personal Staff To Ss-Gruppenführer Berger Of The Ss Main Office, September 28,1942, Rudolf Brandt Sep 1942

Letter From Rudolf Brandt Of Heinrich Himmler's Personal Staff To Ss-Gruppenführer Berger Of The Ss Main Office, September 28,1942, Rudolf Brandt

Norwegian Projects

A letter from Rudolf Brandt of the Reichsführer-SS Personal Staff, in which he states that the recipient, SS-Gruppenführer Berger of the SS Main Office, has been unjust to SS-Obersturmbannführer Dr. Richert. He states the Reichsführer SS is supportive of proposals to form a research institute in Norway in cooperation with the Ahnenerbe.


Note From Gottlob Berger To Wolfram Sievers With Forwarded Letter To Heinrich Himmler, September 22, 1942, Gottlob Berger Sep 1942

Note From Gottlob Berger To Wolfram Sievers With Forwarded Letter To Heinrich Himmler, September 22, 1942, Gottlob Berger

Norwegian Projects

This document includes a note from Gottlob Berger to Wolfram Sievers accompanying a copy of a letter to Heinrich Himmler. In the note to Sievers, Berger comments on the rival plans of Hans Schwalm and Gustav Richert for a centralized research institution in Norway, stating that it could not be allowed to have two separate organizations. The letter to Himmler includes comments on the struggles of the Ahnenerbe in creating its reputation and the importance of establishing the Ahnenerbe as the authorititive scientific research institution, as well as doubts regarding the authenticity of Richert. It concludes with a push for …


Statement From Hans Schwalm, September 18, 1942., Hans Schwalm Sep 1942

Statement From Hans Schwalm, September 18, 1942., Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Statement from Dr. Schwalm on a meeting with Dr. Huhnhäuser in which it was determined that Huhnhäuser would be informed of the results of upcoming meetings and his program would be on hold until that point.


Report By Schwalm On The History Of Competing Efforts To Establish A Centralized Research Association In Norway, September 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm Sep 1942

Report By Schwalm On The History Of Competing Efforts To Establish A Centralized Research Association In Norway, September 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

This document offers a description of competing efforts to establish a centralized research association in Norway. The primary interests of many stakeholders were racial biology and ethnology, though Huhnhäuser was shown to want an organization encompassing all fields of research. The note concludes with future plans for coordination between the R.u.S. and the Ahnenerbe as well as a note of warning against a plan to create an R.u.S. office within the NS as it would strip the work of German control.


Report From Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Alfred Huhnhäuser And Forwarded Copy Of Huhnhäuser's Proposal For A Norwegian Research Association, September 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm, Alfred Huhnhäuser Sep 1942

Report From Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Alfred Huhnhäuser And Forwarded Copy Of Huhnhäuser's Proposal For A Norwegian Research Association, September 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm, Alfred Huhnhäuser

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm reports on a meeting with Dr. Huhnhäuser concerning the Reichskommissariat Science and Education Department, the establishment of a centralized research association in Norway, literature propaganda and future collaboration. He discusses the incorporation of Huhnhäuser into the SS to facilitate future work as well as Huhnhäuser's work to promote German literature, particularly to counteract the literature distributed by German emigrants. The primary focus is on the possibility of creating a centralized research institute through close German-Norwegian collaboration. Schwalm notes that Huhnhäuser's plans fit with the Ahnenerbe goals. The attached paper by Huhnhäuser describes the current situation and the importance of …


Note By Wolfram Sievers On A Meeting With Gottlob Berger, August 17, 1942, Wolfram Sievers Aug 1942

Note By Wolfram Sievers On A Meeting With Gottlob Berger, August 17, 1942, Wolfram Sievers

Norwegian Projects

Wolfram Sievers reports on a meeting with Berger, who requests an Ahnenerbe science advisor for SS-Sturmbannführer Neumann, soon to be dispatched to Oslo. Sievers noted that he could not spare anyone else, but Hans Schwalm, already in Oslo, could assist. Berger also recommended that Sievers get a decree from Himmler stating that the Ahnenerbe was responsible for all legitimate scientific research in the SS and implied that this was important, but was unable to explain why.


Letter From Dr. Spengler To Wolfram Sievers, December 3, 1941, Wilhelm Spengler Dec 1941

Letter From Dr. Spengler To Wolfram Sievers, December 3, 1941, Wilhelm Spengler

Dowsing Research

In a letter to Obersturmbannführer Sievers, Dr. Spengler notes that dowsing rod researchers/users were not targeted in action taken against occult groups, but some may have been arrested if they were active in other occult activities. The letter states that the head of the security police and the SD want to meet with these groups to discuss scientific problems related to the occult. It was not expected that research of dowsing rods would be included in the planned work.


Letter From Josef Wimmer To Walther Wüst, August 7, 1941, Josef Wimmer Aug 1941

Letter From Josef Wimmer To Walther Wüst, August 7, 1941, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

In a letter dated August 7, 1941, Josef Wimmer asks Ahnenerbe Curator Walther Wüst and Ahnenerbe Reichsgeschäftsführer Wolfram Sievers for information regarding an article in the Journal of Dowsing Rod Research. The article addresses the future of dowsing rod research. Wimmer adds that it is rumored that a research institute will be created to manage future research. He requests information first from Wüst and in the second part of the document, reports that Wüst had no information and asks that Sievers please find out what he can and let Wimmer know.


Letter From Josef Wimmer To Walther Wüst Forwarded By Wolfram Sievers To Rudolf Brandt, July 22, 1941, Josef Wimmer, Wolfram Sievers Jul 1941

Letter From Josef Wimmer To Walther Wüst Forwarded By Wolfram Sievers To Rudolf Brandt, July 22, 1941, Josef Wimmer, Wolfram Sievers

Dowsing Research

In this letter, Josef Wimmer asks for direction on whether or not to carry out dowsing studies on the mountain Hohenwehen in Hegau. Sievers forwards the note to Rudolf Brandt asking if there are objections and stating that he believes it fine for Wimmer to travel.


Report By Josef Wimmer To The Ahnenerbe Regarding An Investigation In His Apartment By Criminal Police On June 10, 1941, Josef Wimmer Jun 1941

Report By Josef Wimmer To The Ahnenerbe Regarding An Investigation In His Apartment By Criminal Police On June 10, 1941, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

This letter from Josef Wimmer to Ahnenerbe Curator Walther Wüst reports on a visit to his apartment by the criminal police. The police interrupted his work day, seized all documents related to dowsing rod research, including his correspondence with the Ahnenerbe. They also confiscated his dowsing rods and magnetic theodolite. He then spent 2 1/2 hours in interrogation at the police station before a call to the state police in Munich led to his release.


Letter From The Personal Staff Of The Reichsführer Ss To Wolfram Sievers, April 10, 1941, Personal Staff Of The Reichsführer-Ss Apr 1941

Letter From The Personal Staff Of The Reichsführer Ss To Wolfram Sievers, April 10, 1941, Personal Staff Of The Reichsführer-Ss

Dowsing Research

A letter from the office of the Reichsführer-SS to Wolfram Sievers regarding dowsing rods. The letter states that a report from the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD is attached and expresses the wish of the Reichsführer-SS, Heinrich Himmler, to continue discussing the reorganization of dowsing rod research in conjunction with the Reich Main Security Office. It is asked that certain points be clarified and the document returned.


Letter From Reinhard Heydrich To Heinrich Himmler, March 29, 1941, Reinhard Heydrich Mar 1941

Letter From Reinhard Heydrich To Heinrich Himmler, March 29, 1941, Reinhard Heydrich

Dowsing Research

In this letter from Reinhard Heydrich to Heinrich Himmler, Heydrich summarizes the books confiscated from the publisher J. Huber and lists his recommendations based on the petition by the Reich Association for Dowsing and the assessment conducted by Josef Wimmer. The document includes notes on the side in response to the recommendations. It is also noted the Dr. Lutz of the Propaganda Ministry does not need to be involved in these discussions as a middleman.


Letter From Wolfram Sievers To The Reich Main Security Office, December 2, 1940, Wolfram Sievers Dec 1940

Letter From Wolfram Sievers To The Reich Main Security Office, December 2, 1940, Wolfram Sievers

Dowsing Research

This note from Wolfram Sievers to the Reich Main Security Office accompanied forwarded documents related to dowsing - a letter to the Reichsführer-SS (Heinrich Himmler) and a position paper by Josef Wimmer of the Ahnenerbe Department of Applied Geology.


Letter From The Ahnenerbe To Rudolf Brandt, November 25, 1940, Ahnenerbe Nov 1940

Letter From The Ahnenerbe To Rudolf Brandt, November 25, 1940, Ahnenerbe

Dowsing Research

In this letter to Rudolf Brandt of the Reichsführer-SS's personal staff, the writer states that Ahnenerbe Curator Walther Wüst has spoken to Dr. Lutz regarding dowsing rods and pendula and therefore it is not necessary for Brandt to reply to Lutz himself. Additionally, it is stated that the attachment includes the Ahnenerbe position on the prohibition of documents on dowsing and pendula in a letter from 11/20/40 which was sent to the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD.


Letter From Wolfram Sievers To Reinhard Heydrich, November 20, 1940, Wolfram Sievers Nov 1940

Letter From Wolfram Sievers To Reinhard Heydrich, November 20, 1940, Wolfram Sievers

Dowsing Research

This letter from Wolfram Sievers to Reinhard Heydrich summarized the assessment of confiscated documents related to dowsing, pendula, and astrology by Josef Wimmer of the Department for Applied Geology. Sievers notes the principles used for assessment: first, that recent research has led to great progress on the dowsing question and physical causes related to the sidereal pendulum may also soon be understandable; second, the dowsing literature does contain false reports and mistakes, but also much that has been scientifically proven - the task at hand, therefore, is to sift the literature and separate out that which is valuable and prevent …


Letter From Josef Wimmer To Wolfram Sievers, November 1, 1940, Josef Wimmer Nov 1940

Letter From Josef Wimmer To Wolfram Sievers, November 1, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

Memo to Sievers from Wimmer stating that he is sending his opinions on a paper by Dr. Beyer and asking that the report be forwarded to the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD, Reinhard Heydrich.


Letter From Josef Wimmer To Wolfram Sievers, November 1, 1940, Josef Wimmer Nov 1940

Letter From Josef Wimmer To Wolfram Sievers, November 1, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

Note from Josef Wimmer to Wolfram Sievers accompanying Wimmer's commentary on a paper from the Reich Association for Dowsing and a report from the SD. Wimmer asks that his assessment be forwarded to the Reichsführer-SS, Heinrich Himmler.


Letter From Josef Wimmer To Wolfram Sievers, November 1, 1940, Josef Wimmer Nov 1940

Letter From Josef Wimmer To Wolfram Sievers, November 1, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

Note from Josef Wimmer to Wolfram Sievers accompanying an assessment of 14 documents, with the request that the assessment be forwarded to the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei, Reinhard Heydrich.


Letter From The Head Of The Sicherheits Polizei And The Sd To The Ahnenerbe, October 31, 1940, Head Of The Sicherheitspolizei And The Sd Oct 1940

Letter From The Head Of The Sicherheits Polizei And The Sd To The Ahnenerbe, October 31, 1940, Head Of The Sicherheitspolizei And The Sd

Dowsing Research

A request from a representative of the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD (Reinhard Heydrich) to the Ahnenerbe for an update on the review of dowsing and pendulum documents expressing the hope that this activity can be completed shortly, as they must report to the Reichsführer-SS (Heinrich Himmler).


Assessment Of Confiscated Astrology Literature By Josef Wimmer For Reinhard Heydrich, October 30, 1940, Josef Wimmer Oct 1940

Assessment Of Confiscated Astrology Literature By Josef Wimmer For Reinhard Heydrich, October 30, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

In a document sent to the Head of the Sicherheitspolizei and the SD, Josef Wimmer provides an assessment of confiscated documents related to astrology. He recommends the release of two documents, Astronomical Ephemeris for the year 1940 and Abdias Trew's Layout plan for reformed astrology. The sequestration is recommended to be upheld for Planet Signatures by Thomas Ring and The New Planet Pluto by Fritz Brunhübner. Wimmer remained undecided about a final document, The Dynamics of the Cosmos by H.H. Reinsch.


Report By Josef Wimmer On The Position Paper By The Reich Association For Dowsing And The S.D. Report, October 30, 1940, Josef Wimmer Oct 1940

Report By Josef Wimmer On The Position Paper By The Reich Association For Dowsing And The S.D. Report, October 30, 1940, Josef Wimmer

Dowsing Research

In this report, Josef Wimmer adds his opinion on first, the position paper by the Reich Association for Dowsing which defends dowsing and proposes official measures to protect the practice and empower the association and second, a report from the SD in response to the Reich Association petition. Wimmer responds to criticism of dowsing included in the SD report while also recognizing sources of error that the Reich Association training fails to address. He concludes with proposals that would reorganize the association and strengthen the training and oversight capacities, placing the association within the oversight of the Ahnenerbe and encouraging …