The Ruth Maier Archive (1933-1942)
Biographical History
Ruth Maier, born in Vienna in 1920, was an Austrian Jewish middle class woman. After the Anschluss, her family decided to emigrate and leave Austria. Ruth was granted a visa to Norway, whilst her sister Judith was sent to England. Here Ruth arrived at Lillestrøm, and stayed with Strøm family. Whilst working as a female volunteer during the summer of 1940, she became a close friend to the future poet Gunvor Hoffmo . Maier was arrested on the 26th of November 1942 deported with the MS Donau to Auschwitz and killed upon arrival on the 1th of December .
Scope and Content
Ruth Maier kept a diary throughout her life. During her stay in Norway, she corresponded with her sister in England. The archive consist of 69 letters and eight diaries, covering both her time in Vienna and her time in Norway as well as correspondence between her and other family members. The Ruth Maier Archive documents the thoughts and life of a young Jewish woman facing the Nazi occupation in Austria and Norway. At the same time, several of her writings are marked by normality and everyday life. In addition to her remarkable language and writings she left beautiful drawings, sketches and poetry.
Archivist Note
Description provided by HL-Senteret
Rules and Conventions
EHRI Guidelines for Description v.1.0