Dino A. Brugioni collection

Dino A. Brugioni collection 

Dino A. Brugioni collection 

boxes oversize boxes oversize folders 4 8 17 

The collection documents C.I.A. photograph interpreter Dino A. Brugioni’s work on the research and analysis of aerial photographs taken of Auschwitz II (Birkenau) by reconnaissance planes in 1944-1945, as well as other Holocaust-related locations. The collection includes prints and negatives of the aerial photographs, correspondence, writings, articles and publications, clippings, and scrapbooks. Series 1. Photographs includes prints and negatives depicting aerial reconnaissance photographs taken by the Mediterranean Allied Air Force of Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II, Auschwitz III, I.G. Farben factories, and other Holocaust-related locations in 1944-1945. Most include the date the photograph was taken, and some also include annotation identifying specific buildings. Series 2. Correspondence includes letters received by Brugioni after the publication of “The Holocaust Revisited” in 1979, and ongoing discussions regarding the debate around whether or not the Allies could or should have bombed Auschwitz. Series 3. Writings consists of copies of writings by Brugioni regarding photograph interpretation of aerial photographs taken during World War II, including some drafts, notes, and memorandums. Included is material regarding “The Holocaust Revisited: A Retrospective Analysis of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Extermination Complex,” “Aerial Photography: Reading the Past, Revealing the Future,” The Last Days of the Bergen-Belsen Camp,” “Why the World War II Photo Interpreters Failed to Identify the Auschwitz-Birkenau Extermination Camp,” as well as a copy of his book Photo Fakery. Series 4. Articles and clippings includes copies of articles, publications, and clippings regarding the Auschwitz bombing debate and different facets of the Holocaust. Additionally, there are photocopies of interrogation reports after reconnaissance flights and several fold-out maps of Germany, Poland, and Austria. Series 5. Scrapbooks consists of two scrapbooks of clippings and correspondence assembled by Brugioni documenting “The Holocaust Revisited” article. 

The collection is arranged as 5 series. Series 1. Photographs, 1944-1945, circa 1979 Series 2. Correspondence, 1978-2001 Series 3. Writings, 1978-1999 Series 4. Articles and clippings, 1944-circa 1990 Series 5. Scrapbooks, circa 1979