Dokumentationsarchiv des österreichischen Widerstandes (DÖW)

The Documentation Center of Austrian Resistance (DÖW)

• The DÖW was founded in 1963 as an association by former resistance fighters and victims of Nazi persecution, as well as committed academics. In 1983, the DÖW Foundation was established: since then, the Republic of Austria and the City of Vienna have financed the foundation in equal parts, while the association contributed the materials (documents, photos, works of art, etc.). Co-financing is provided by the province of Lower Austria, various ministries, and third-party funds.

• The foundation board consists of twelve members. Six members are appointed by the executive committee of the DÖW association and three members each by the Republic of Austria, represented by the Federal Minister of Science and Research, and by the City of Vienna, represented by the mayor.

• The executive scientific director is appointed by the foundation board for an indefinite period.

• The Foundation's Executive Board consists of the Executive Scientific Director and at least three representatives from among the staff who support the Director.

• The DÖW association can accept members who wish to support the work of the institute. Currently, around 400 members are eligible to vote at the association's general meeting. They elect the association's Executive Board.

• Main areas of focus: Resistance and persecution, the Holocaust, Roma and Sinti, exile, medicine and biopolitics under National Socialism, Nazi and post-war justice, right-wing extremism after 1945, restitution and compensation after 1945.

• Main activities: Collection, archiving, and scientific evaluation of thematically relevant sources. Archive and library operations with advisory and support services for students, journalists, and others. Communication of contemporary historical content, especially for young people and schoolchildren, but also in the field of adult education (creation of teaching materials, exhibitions, guided tours, etc.).

• An information sheet—the Mitteilungen des DÖW (DÖW News)—maintains contact with friends of the documentation archive, reports on DÖW activities, and includes event announcements, magazine reviews, book reviews, etc.