Landesarchiv Greifswald

Lost in the mists of time, yet standing firm before us, is the Landesarchiv Greifswald. This isn’t just a building. It’s a guardian of stories, a keeper of secrets whispered from the past. The Landesarchiv Greifswald is a relatively young institution, established just after World War II in August 1946. It was created as a branch of the Mecklenburg State Archives in Schwerin. Its initial purpose was to house the relocated archives of the former Szczecin State Archives, a treasure trove of history now split between Greifswald, Szczecin, and Koszalin. The Landesarchiv Greifswald found its home in an old barracks building at Nexöplatz. Imagine the echoes of soldiers replaced by the rustle of centuries-old documents. The Landesarchiv Greifswald’s collection isn’t limited to the Szczecin archives. It also safeguards the extensive records of the SED district administration in Rostock, along with archives from various parties and mass organizations of the former GDR’s northern district. This makes the Landesarchiv Greifswald a vital resource for understanding the complex history of this region. It plays a crucial role in addressing inquiries related to property issues, rehabilitation procedures, and pension certificates, offering a tangible link to the past for many individuals. Since the 1990s, the Landesarchiv Greifswald has been instrumental in helping people piece together their family histories. It responds to requests for information about missing family members from Pomerania and facilitates research for expellees from the Federal Republic of Germany seeking to reconnect with their roots. The Landesarchiv Greifswald holds not only dry official documents, but also the stories of lives lived, dreams pursued, and struggles endured. It stands as a testament to the power of preserving history, offering a window into the past for generations to come.