The Social History Nexus
Unearthing Radical Legacies: An academic exploration of the International Institute of Social History, its vast archives, and its pivotal role in preserving global social and labor movements.
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About the IISH
A Global Archive
The International Institute of Social History (IISH/IISG) stands as one of the world's preeminent archives dedicated to the preservation and study of labor and social history. Its extensive holdings document the evolution of social movements and radical thought across the globe.
Scope and Focus
With an unparalleled collection encompassing over one million volumes and 2,300 distinct archival collections, the IISH is particularly renowned for its comprehensive documentation of radical leftist ideologies and movements. It serves as a critical resource for understanding the historical trajectory of social change.
Location and Affiliation
Strategically located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, the IISH operates as an independent scientific institute. It is formally affiliated with the prestigious Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, underscoring its academic rigor and institutional standing.
Archival Treasures
Immense Holdings
The IISH houses an extraordinary collection comprising approximately one million volumes, 80,000 audiovisual items, 2,400 serial publications, and three million digital files. These materials are organized across more than 2,300 distinct archival collections, offering a rich tapestry of historical documentation.
Anarchist Documentation
The institute is globally recognized as the foremost repository for anarchist documents. Its collections provide unparalleled depth for researchers studying the history, philosophy, and practice of anarchism worldwide.
Key Figures and Institutions
The IISH holds the personal papers of numerous influential figures and the records of significant institutions instrumental in shaping social and political discourse. These include:
Genesis and Resilience
Founding Vision
Established in 1935 by Nicolaas Posthumus, a prominent socialist and the first chair of economic history in the Netherlands, the IISH was conceived to facilitate the study of labor relations development over time. Posthumus actively secured archives from various international socialist, social democratic, and Marxist movements, including significant anarchist collections.
Wartime Preservation
Prior to the German invasion of the Netherlands in 1940, Posthumus took crucial steps to safeguard the institute's most valuable archives by transferring them to London. Although many remaining archives were transported to Nazi Germany during the war, they were not destroyed. A significant portion was rediscovered in Hannover in 1946, with other parts found and returned from Moscow in 1991.
Modern Relocation
In 1989, the International Institute of Social History relocated to new, expansive premises located in an old warehouse on Cruquiusweg in eastern Amsterdam. This site previously housed the Press Museum, which later became part of the Dutch Institute for Image and Sound.
Institutional Connections
Royal Netherlands Academy
As an integral part of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, the IISH benefits from a strong institutional framework that supports its research and archival functions, reinforcing its position within the academic landscape.
IHLIA LGBT Heritage
The institute also serves as a vital host for the IHLIA LGBT Heritage collection. This collaboration ensures the preservation and accessibility of significant materials related to LGBT history and culture, further broadening the scope of social history documented at the IISH.
References
Source Material
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References
References
- 'Anarchism', Website IISG
- History of IISG (more)
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Important Notice
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