# Forschungsstelle für Zeitgeschichte in Hamburg

> foundation

**Wikidata**: [Q1438147](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1438147)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/forschungsstelle-fur-zeitgeschichte-in-hamburg

## Summary
The Forschungsstelle für Zeitgeschichte in Hamburg (FZH) is a research institute and private foundation dedicated to the study of contemporary history. Established in 1997 and located in Hamburg, Germany, it operates as a tax-exempt organization under the administration of the city. The institute serves as a central hub for historical research and documentation in the region.

## Key Facts
- **Formal Name:** Forschungsstelle für Zeitgeschichte in Hamburg (also known as Forschungsstelle für Zeitgeschichte Hamburg).
- **Entity Type:** Private foundation and research institute.
- **Founded:** 1997.
- **Location:** Hamburg, Germany (Coordinates: 53.56963889, 9.97580833).
- **Operator:** The City of Hamburg.
- **Legal Status:** Tax-exempt under the German Fiscal Code.
- **Industry:** Research.
- **ISIL ID:** DE-2126.
- **Website:** https://zeitgeschichte-hamburg.de/

## FAQs
### Q: What kind of organization is the Forschungsstelle für Zeitgeschichte in Hamburg?
A: It is a private foundation and research institute. Although a foundation, it is operated by the City of Hamburg and holds tax-exempt status under the German Fiscal Code.

### Q: When was the institute founded?
A: The Forschungsstelle für Zeitgeschichte in Hamburg was established in 1997.

### Q: Where is the institute located?
A: The institute is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. Its specific geographic coordinates are 53.56963889 latitude and 9.97580833 longitude.

## Why It Matters
The Forschungsstelle für Zeitgeschichte in Hamburg plays a critical role in the academic and cultural landscape of Northern Germany. As a specialized research institute, it provides essential infrastructure for the investigation and documentation of contemporary history. Its status as a private foundation operated by the city ensures a blend of institutional independence and public sector support, allowing for long-term historical projects that might not be feasible in standard university settings.

By maintaining tax-exempt status, the organization can maximize resources allocated directly to research and archiving. The institute contributes to the broader understanding of historical trends and events specific to the Hamburg region and their context within German and global history. Its recognition by major international library and authority systems (such as the Library of Congress and the National Library of Israel) underscores its relevance and legitimacy within the global academic community.

## Notable For
- **Hybrid Legal Structure:** Distinguished as a private foundation that is simultaneously operated by a municipal government (Hamburg).
- **Tax Status:** Officially recognized as tax-exempt under the German Fiscal Code.
- **International Recognition:** Holds identifiers in major global knowledge graphs, including the Library of Congress Authority ID (n2002106357) and a Google Knowledge Graph ID (/g/121_5db1).
- **Specialized Focus:** Dedicated specifically to the field of "Zeitgeschichte" (Contemporary History).
- **Digital Presence:** Early adopter of modern social platforms for academic outreach, maintaining a Bluesky handle (fzh-hamburg.bsky.social).

## Body

### Organizational Structure and Legal Status
The Forschungsstelle für Zeitgeschichte in Hamburg is formally classified as a foundation (private foundation) and a research institute. It was founded in 1997 with the specific purpose of conducting historical research. The organization is distinct in its administrative setup; while it functions as a foundation, it is operated by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. This operational relationship facilitates its function as a public-facing academic unit. Furthermore, the institute maintains a specific organization tax status as tax-exempt under the German Fiscal Code, as verified in 2025.

### Location and Geography
The institute is physically situated in Hamburg, Germany. Its headquarters are located at the geographic coordinates 53.56963889°N, 9.97580833°E. This location places the research center within the urban context of Hamburg, allowing for close collaboration with local archives and educational institutions.

### Identification and Authority
The entity is registered and tracked by numerous international bibliographic and authority systems:
- **ISIL (International Standard Identifier for Libraries):** DE-2126
- **ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier):** 0000000119310891
- **VIAF (Virtual International Authority File):** 123985951
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n2002106357
- **ROR (Research Organization Registry):** 017xf2h35
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/121_5db1
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007261217205171

### Digital Presence
The institute maintains a primary web presence at `https://zeitgeschichte-hamburg.de/`, which serves as its official portal. Additionally, the organization engages with the academic community and public through modern communication channels, including a verified Bluesky social media handle (`fzh-hamburg.bsky.social`), which was established on the platform in early 2025. The organization is also linked to specific sub-parts or projects identified by the Wikidata identifiers Q28737520 and Q28738376.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. ROR release v1.29
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
4. Source