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11/24/2025 | Press Release

Historisches Kassel: University Library adds unique collection of picture postcards to its holdings

This acquisition enables a unique visual reconstruction of the old Kassel as it existed before the destruction of the Second World War and the subsequent transformations: The Kassel University Library - State Library and Murhard Library of the City of Kassel is adding an extraordinary collection of picture postcards with motifs from Kassel and the region to its historical holdings. The "Rüsseler Collection", comprising over 4,800 individual items and named after its long-time collector and previous owner Dieter Rüsseler, documents views of the city, its squares, streets, monuments and buildings.

Image: University of Kassel

The acquisition of the collection was generously supported by a grant of 2,000 euros from the Kassel Sparkassenstiftung.

With access to this outstanding collection, the University Library is expanding its historical image holdings and creating new foundations for research, urban history and digital accessibility. The collection provides valuable evidence of regional development and opens up a wide range of potential uses.

"With the Rüsseler Collection, the University Library is receiving a valuable cultural asset that fundamentally expands our understanding of the city's history," emphasizes Dr. Timo Kirschberger, Deputy Department Head of the State Library. "The historical postcards are not only invaluable for academic research, but also provide the interested public with a vivid view of the former Kassel. By digitizing them, we want to make these impressions accessible to as many people as possible."

The postcards will be digitized and made accessible online via the ORKA platform(https://orka.bibliothek.uni-kassel.de/) so that both researchers and the interested public can gain an insight into these historical treasures.

 

Contact

Dr. Timo Kirschberger
Universitätsbibliothek Kassel - Landesbibliothek und Murhardsche Bibliothek der Stadt Kassel
Department IV: Landesbibliothek / Location Brüder-Grimm-Platz
Hassiaca / Sondersammlungen
Phone: + 49 561 804-7339
Email: kirschberger@bibliothek.uni-kassel.de