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Germans Explore Nazi Family Histories Amid Growing Interest

3/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Interest in family histories during the Nazi era is growing in Germany.
Many Germans believe their relatives were not perpetrators, with some viewing them as victims or helpers of victims.
The US National Archives digitized National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) membership cards to reveal information on 6.6 million members, though many records are incomplete.
Access to detailed data in Germany is restricted by statutory periods.

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Story summary

Interest in family histories during the Nazi era is growing in Germany.
Many Germans believe their relatives were not perpetrators, with some viewing them as victims or helpers of victims.
The US National Archives digitized National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) membership cards to reveal information on 6.6 million members, though many records are incomplete.
Access to detailed data in Germany is restricted by statutory periods.