About JDC Archives
The JDC Archives houses one of the most significant collections in the world for the study of modern Jewish history, reflecting activity in over 90 countries dating from 1914 to the present. Comprising the organizational records of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the overseas rescue, relief, and rehabilitation arm of the American Jewish community, the archives includes documents, photographs, a research library, audio recordings including oral histories, and videos. Documents include eyewitness accounts, correspondence, reports, press releases, and lists of recipients of assistance.
The online database of the JDC Archives allows public access to and search of its text and photograph collections. A Names Index with 500,000 entries provides family history researchers with otherwise unavailable information about their ancestors, including names of relatives, towns of origin, and occupations. Digital finding aids are available on the JDC website as well.
The JDC Archives is contributing the Records of the Dominican Republic Settlement Association (DORSA), 1939-1977, to the Digital Library of the Caribbean. This collection of 59 files documents JDC’s role in assisting refugees from Nazi Europe to settle in the Dominican Republic and establish agricultural colonies, in particular the settlement at Sosua.
A selection of DORSA photographs is available as a photo gallery on the JDC Archives website.