Quiet Helpers

Quaker Service in Post-War Germany

An exhibition of the Deutsches Historisches Museum under the patronage of the Federal President
January 12 to March 12, 1996

Zur deutschen Version

The Quakers - their official name is the "Religious Society of Friends" - became known in Germany above all through their generous relief work after the two world wars. The "Quäkerspeisung" ("Quaker feeding") of millions of children remains unforgotten even today. During the years of the National-Socialist terror regime, the Friends were able to help many of the persecuted.

The exhibition in the Deutsches Historisches Museum - with many exhibits from the USA and Great Britain - presents for the first time an extensive survey of Quaker humanitarian service in Germany between 1920 and 1950. It also provides insight into the history of an unusual Christian denomination, which today numbers some 300,000 members.

Established in the seventeenth century, the Society has constantly advocated a practical Christianity. From early times the Quakers have espoused the cause of democratic equality, freedom of conscience and tolerance. They paved theh way for many important humanitarian reforms, such as the care for the mentally ill and in prison welfare, and as opponents of war in principle, they were among those who paved the way for the modern peace movement and furthered the cause of international understanding. In recognition of this work, their service organisations were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947.

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