Insights into the Stasi files

Formerly secret documents, which are otherwise accessible only to those directly affected, the media, and researchers, are available here to all visitors as faithful reproductions. Thanks to the consent and support of those affected, they contain few redactions.

Many sample files are linked to themes and cases from the exhibition or to one another. For example, Ulrike Poppe, who was monitored and imprisoned by the Stasi for her membership in the group “Women for Peace,” has made her documents available for educational work at the historic site. Other sample files also document the surveillance—and complicity—of women in the GDR.

Other topics include the surveillance of the GDR soccer scene, cross-border punk culture, and Western military personnel. However, one thing is clear: anyone could have come under the Stasi’s scrutiny.

During the workshop, you will learn how the collection is structured, what makes it so special, and how best to approach the documents. There will be ample time for questions and for independent reading of the sample files.

The number of participants is limited to 12. Registration is required at: Einblick-ins-geheime@bundesarchiv.de or by phone at 030 18 665-6699.

IN GERMAN