Culver City,
California
x
The Year 1989 until the Fall of the Wall
Maker: Unknown
Date Made: 1989-1999
Country: German Democratic Republic; West Germany
Materials: photograph paper; paper; cardboard; metal
Measurements: 31.5 cm x 29 cm x 7 cm; 12 3/8 in x 11 7/16 in x 2 3/4 in
Language: German
Genre/Form: binder
This black two-ring binder contains a compelling archive of original newspaper articles and photographs documenting political changes that occurred in Berlin in 1989 and after the fall of the Berlin Wall. An introductory text explains some key events, such as the mass-fleeing of refugees from the GDR and the rise of protest movements such as the Monday Demonstrations of 1989. Other texts highlight the various sections of the binder which include: newspaper cut-outs telling of the opening of the border between Austria and Hungary, and the escape of GDR refugees through this newly opened passage; type-written orders and instructions from Major Peter Bochmann on how to continue to run operations at Checkpoint Charlie; photographs showing how the border was strengthened to withstand the continuing demonstrations; photographs of the violation of the border and the storming of Checkpoint Charlie in August/September of 1989; copies of reports of border crossings made at Checkpoint Charlie after November 9th, 1989, revealing that GDR border guards continued to monitor border crossings even after the official fall of the Wall; photographs of massive crowds of Berliners gathering at various checkpoints across the city; newspaper articles commemorating the opening of the border between East and West Berlin; and pictures of West Berliners standing and sitting on top of the Wall.
Collection/Series: Peter Bochmann Border Guard Collection
Accession Number: 2017.015.027