Albert Einstein Archives
In 1950, Albert Einstein signed a will that designated the Hebrew University of Jerusalem as the sole recipient of his literary rights and personal papers. This legal document transferred all assets to the university after his death in 1955. The text explicitly stated that all literary rights and assets shall be vested in the Hebrew University. Helen Dukas and Otto Nathan served as trustees of the estate following this decision. They spent many years organizing Einstein's papers before the transfer could occur. The agreement ensured that the physicist's legacy remained tied to the institution he supported since 1923.
The rise of Nazism in 1933 triggered a frantic effort to save Einstein's written material from seizure. Rudolf Kayser, Einstein's son-in-law, aided by the French Embassy, rescued documents stored in Berlin. Some items at the summer house in Caputh, Brandenburg were destroyed to avoid capture. Most works created between 1930 and 1932 survived the purge. These materials traveled via Haberlandstrasse where Einstein lived in Berlin before moving to Paris. The collection eventually ended up stored in Princeton, New Jersey until after Einstein's death. This journey preserved the bulk of his scientific output for future generations.
Manfred Waserman became the first curator of the Einstein Archives with a term extending from 1988 to 1989. Ze'ev Rosenkranz succeeded him and served in that role from 1989 to 2003. The catalogue was made available online during Rosenkranz's tenure in 2003. Roni Grosz has been the head of the Archives since 2004. In January 2008, the Einstein Archives became part of the Hebrew University's Library Authority. The following July, the Archives moved to the Levy Building on the Givat Ram campus. This leadership succession ensured continuous management of the growing collection over four decades.
The archive initially contained around 14,000 documents at the time of Einstein's death in 1955. By 1982, the number had increased to approximately 42,000 documents. In March 2012, the university announced it had digitized the archive and planned to make it more accessible online. The initial release included 2,000 documents for public viewing. Current records indicate the collection now holds some 55,000 items. Princeton University Press remains active in efforts to expand digital availability. This growth reflects both new acquisitions and systematic cataloging by successive curators.
Within the collection are personal notes and love letters addressed to various women including Elsa, who later became his second wife. A letter to the Arabic newspaper Falastin proposed a Secret Council composed of Arabs and Jews to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. The original 46-page manuscript explaining the theory of general relativity ended up at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1925. Einstein employed stepdaughter Ilse as a secretarial assistant from 1919 onward. Helen Dukas began working with increased systematization from April 1928 though not all outgoing correspondence was saved. These artifacts provide insight into both his private life and political views.
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Common questions
Who received Albert Einstein's literary rights and personal papers after his death?
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem received all literary rights and assets from Albert Einstein following his death in 1955. This transfer was mandated by a will signed by Albert Einstein in 1950.
When did the rise of Nazism affect the safety of Albert Einstein's written material?
The rise of Nazism in 1933 triggered efforts to save Albert Einstein's written material from seizure. Documents stored in Berlin were rescued while some items at the summer house in Caputh, Brandenburg were destroyed to avoid capture.
Who served as the first curator of the Albert Einstein Archives and when did their term begin?
Manfred Waserman became the first curator of the Albert Einstein Archives with a term extending from 1988 to 1989. Ze'ev Rosenkranz succeeded him and served in that role from 1989 to 2003.
How many documents are currently held within the Albert Einstein Archives collection?
Current records indicate the collection now holds some 55,000 items. The archive initially contained around 14,000 documents at the time of Albert Einstein's death in 1955.
Where is the original manuscript explaining the theory of general relativity located today?
The original 46-page manuscript explaining the theory of general relativity ended up at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1925. This document remains part of the Albert Einstein Archives.