Collection ID

PBK.003450

Type

Printed Book

Date

1957

Geography

Hamburg, (Germany)

Language

German

Medium

Printed on paper

Dimensions

8.7 × 6.4 × 1.2 in. (22.3 × 16.3 × 3 cm)

Exhibit Location

Not on View

This illustrated devotional book for children was smuggled into the German Democratic Republic (GDR) by a pensioner in the late 1950s. Although crossing between East and West Germany became challenging after the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, East German retirees on pensions were allowed to cross without restriction. If they did not return, the government did not have to continue to pay their pension. Being in possession of Bibles and other Christian literature printed outside of the GDR was risky because such items were contraband. However, many families continued to practice their faith. This book, along with two others like it, was used by three generations of an East German Christian family. 

Printed in 1956 by Saatkorn-Verlag, Hamburg, Germany; Purchased after 1961 by Marga Schubert, Hamburg, Germany; By descent to Joachim Ullrich, Ore Mountains, Germany; Donated in 2021 to Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC.

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