This topic concerns the handling, digitization, and preservation of archival materials, particularly microfilms, within David Irving's historical research and associated projects. It highlights the logistical challenges and collaborative efforts involved in managing a large and complex archive, including the transfer of materials to Sweden and the involvement of external researchers and archivists.
The archive work involved the transfer of historical papers and legal files, including microfilm copies, to a Swedish site under the supervision of Lars-Erik Hansen. This process was intertwined with Irving’s writing projects, particularly "Churchill's War" and his memoirs, and involved careful consideration of which materials were to be digitized and made available. The handling of original microfilms was restricted due to Irving’s planned use of them for his memoirs.
* 2021: The McCain family allowed outsiders to view locked-out archives with a family member present. The Theodore Bilbo archives are located in the McCain Library. Theodore Bilbo * 2022: Plans were made to transfer the archive to a Swedish site, supervised by Lars-Erik Hansen. An index was requested. Irving and Klaus were responsible for the transfer. Microfilm copies from the US National Archives and Library of Congress were to be moved, but original microfilms were to remain in Irving's possession. An archivist was employed to scrutinize files. Lars-Erik Hansen * 2022: Equipment was secured for the archive. There was a discussion about the order of material digitization and publication. Ukraine * 2023: Irving expressed interest in Mussolini’s papers, noting the rarity of unredacted documents. He highlighted the importance of challenging established historical narratives and the potential for political controversy. Mussolini * 2023: Irving sought assistance from Russian researchers/archivists to locate reports and photos from Russian U-relocations. Bergkristall Jonastal Kellerbau Quarz * 2023: Research involved checking the LOC's "Captured German Documents" finding aid and the Sammlung Irving file in the IfZ and Bundesarchiv Göring fond. Library of Congress IfZ Bundesarchiv * 2017: Filming of Dr. Glyn’s involvement in the Himmler post-mortem examination included a British Army nurse who viewed Himmler's body. Dr. Glyn Himmler * 2023: Research involved comparing a copy of "Hitler's War" with a Millenium version, noting discrepancies and corrections. Hitler's War * 2021: Irving received copies of "Battle" and "Hess: The Missing Years 1941-1945" signed from a 1991 visit to Buenos Aires. Hess: The Missing Years 1941-1945
The initial focus in 2021 was on accessing and managing existing archives. By 2022, the emphasis shifted to the logistical aspects of transferring and digitizing materials. In 2023, the work involved more detailed research and verification of historical documents, alongside the ongoing search for specific records.
Archival Materials Sweden Lars-Erik Hansen Churchill's War Memoirs Theodore Bilbo Mussolini Hitler's War