Kulmbach historian reveals 56,000 fates from Silesia

Kulmbach historian reveals 56,000 fates from Silesia

In the heart of Kulmbach lives Ditmar Kühne, an 86-year-old historian whose life's work is closely linked to the history of Silesia. Spurred on by the desire to discover his family's roots, Kühne devoted himself to intensive research for years. His grandparents' house in Silesia, a place full of memories, became the starting point for this journey into the past. The events of the war had torn the family apart and deprived him of the opportunity to actively experience these roots. But through his research, Kühne not only preserved his own history, but also documented the fate of over 56,000 people Frankenpost reports.

Between 2000 and 2012, the passionate researcher published four local family books about former Protestant communities in Silesia. Such works are not only invaluable for descendants, they also offer insights into the cultural and social structure of the region. In this context, the introduction of church records as early as 1533 opened the gates to the past, and Kühne soon became a sought-after specialist in the history of Bohemian villages.

Silesia through the ages

The Silesia region, which today largely belongs to Poland and is located in the Silesian, Opole and Lower Silesian voivodships, has a complex history. Historically, Silesia was part of Austria and became Prussian Silesia from 1742. What does this mean for genealogy research? It is challenging because the territorial reforms and cessions after the First World War have had a significant impact on the available documents. The important archives and sources that many genealogists need are often distributed and difficult to access, as explained on Ahnen-Forscher and Schätzle Genealogy.

For anyone who wants to research these confusing structures, basic knowledge of genealogy is essential. Websites like Familysearch and Ancestry play an important role here, but local archives and city governments are also essential contact points. The digital archives provide a wealth of information, from duplicate parish registers to civil status registers and censuses, which act as significant historical documents.

Discover the diversity of Silesia

Upper Silesia was once a melting pot of different cultures and languages, characterized by places with both German and Polish names. This diversity is also reflected in the local family books that Kühne published. From Amaliengrund (Sławoszów) to Wiesau (Laka) - numerous communities are recorded in the books, which offer a vivid insight into the diversity and tragedy of Silesian history, as can be seen on Ahnen-Forscher.

For many descendants, the interest in their own roots and the connection to their homeland remains unbroken. With his work, Ditmar Kühne impressively shows how important it is not only to preserve these stories, but also to actively pass them on. His commitment brings the fates that were often forgotten after the war back to life and connects generations.