The "Kataster" database of the inhabitants of Krakow is the most comprehensive set of information for the period between approx. 1850 and 1945. The Kataster is a complete registration of all people in Krakow. It is similar to a census, but was done continuously, and corrections and updates were periodically made to the Kataster. After the war, it was replaced by the 'address registration' or 'urzad meldunkowy'.

The database comprises about 100 boxes of record cards, arranged alphabetically. Each box contains about 1,000 cards. There are thus about 100,000 records in total. The first box has already been transcribed, and about 800 of the 1,000 names were found to be those of Jews. The final total of Jewish records is not known, but we estimate the Kataster to contain about 50,000 to 60,000 Jewish records. The records include not only BMD information, but also professions, addresses, birth places, places of marriage, and many other comments (e.g.. 'ritual wife of etc'), and comments about children. In many cases, one can find the data of three generations back in the 'remarks section' for the given person. Such information, especially in cases where the city of origin is mentioned, might be the only source available. Take a look at this example of a Kataster record.

This database is certainly the largest and most comprehensive database on Krakow Jewry, and it is of vital importance since it shows the development of the Jewish families in Krakow for almost a century, where they came from, and where they went. There are several other, smaller, sets of records for this 100-year period, but if we can obtain this comprehensive Kataster database, it will probably make these other smaller record sets redundant.

HOW DO WE OBTAIN THESE RECORDS?

As mentioned above, the initial box of 1,000 records has been transcribed. Based on that single box, we estimate that - at the current rate of transcription - it will take up to 2 years to complete! Furthermore, the writing on many cards is difficult to read, and each card has to be screened by a second researcher. This is very time-consuming.

The only feasible method of transcribing this material would be to hire students in Krakow to do the work, which will include the translation of the important Polish 'comments fields' into English. Hopefully, by using several students we could complete the database in a few months. It goes without saying that we will have to provide funds for this transcription.

COSTS OF TRANSCRIPTION

We are currently negotiating with the Krakow Archives about the costs involved. We might have to pay a set 'lump sum', a 'fee per Jewish record transcribed' or possibly even a 'fee per hour'. The costs have not yet been finalized, but in view of the huge amount of work to be done, the sums involved will be significant.