A Brief Historical Evolution of the International Tracing Service (ITS): The Largest Collection of Holocaust Related Documents

The International Tracing Service is the largest repository for World War II records, including Holocaust records. However, it was not until recently that the ITS opened its records to researchers and institutions outside of Germany. Previously, survivors and others could write to the ITS and request information about themselves or others, but the response time was long, difficult, and often lacking in tangible results. With the opening of the ITS, people around the world have better access to the records for seemingly endless research. Includes a case study.