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Introduction

On 22 April 2025, the fifth volume of the scholarly publication series Forum Hall in Tirol – New Perspectives on the History of the Town was presented in Hall in Tirol. Historian and DBANT founder Elisabeth Walder contributed an article on resistance to National Socialism and Nazi persecution in Hall in Tirol. The collected volume brings together new research on the town’s history, ranging from prehistory and early history to the National Socialist period.

New Research on the History of Hall in Tirol

On 22 April 2025, the fifth volume of the scholarly publication series Forum Hall in Tyrol – New Perspectives on the History of the Town was presented to the public at the Ablinger Garber publishing house’s Medienturm in Hall in Tyrol. The extensive collected volume was edited by Mag. Dr Alexander Zanesco.
Across 416 pages, 16 authors present new research findings in 15 articles devoted to the history of Hall in Tirol. The volume covers a broad period, ranging from prehistory and early history through the Middle Ages and the modern era to National Socialism.

Resistance and Nazi Persecution in Hall in Tirol

Historian and author Elisabeth Walder, founder of the Digital Biographical Archive of the NS Resistance in Tyrol (DBANT), contributed an article on resistance to National Socialism and the people persecuted by the Nazi regime in Hall in Tyrol.
The article focuses on women and men who opposed the Nazi regime, assisted persecuted people, or were disenfranchised, imprisoned, and persecuted because of their political, religious, or social convictions. Their life stories demonstrate that resistance and persecution did not occur only in distant places but were also part of the history of Hall in Tyrol.
The article complements DBANT’s biographical research. The digital archive documents individual lives through historical sources, photographs, personal recollections, and archival records. Its aim is to bring renewed attention to people and experiences that have long been forgotten or have previously received little recognition.

An Important Contribution to the History of Hall in Tirol

Hall in Tirol Town Hall, viewed from the Marian Fountain on the Upper Town Square, 2025. Photograph: DBANT.

The publication series Forum Hall in Tyrol provides a lasting platform for scholarly research into the history of the town. At the same time, it makes new historical findings accessible to a wider public.
The presentation of the fifth volume therefore not only recognised the work of the participating authors but also emphasised the importance of regional historical research for a vibrant culture of remembrance.
Engaging with National Socialism, resistance, and persecution helps communities acknowledge their historical responsibility at the local level and preserve the experiences of those affected for future generations.

The Book Presentation on 22 April 2025

Walter Garber of the Ablinger Garber publishing house opened the event. Christoph Sailer, Hall town councillor and chairman of the town’s Cultural Committee, delivered the welcoming address. Editor Alexander Zanesco subsequently introduced the new volume and its broad range of subjects.
Numerous people interested in history used the opportunity to speak with the authors, ask questions, and learn more about their research. A programme of swing music accompanied the book presentation.

Bibliographic Information

Forum Hall in Tirol. Neues zur Geschichte der Stadt, Volume 5
Edited by Alexander Zanesco
Hall in Tirol, 2025
416 pages
ISBN: 978-3-200-10413-6
Price at the time of publication: €38
The volume is available from bookshops and the publisher. ​

Authors of Forum Hall in Tyrol. Neues zur Geschichte der Stadt, Volume 5, at the book presentation in April 2025. Photograph: Forum Hall in Tyrol; Elisabeth Walder Private Archive, Hall in Tyrol.

Significance for the Culture of Remembrance

The publication of Forum Hall in Tirol, Volume 5, makes new scholarly findings on the history of the town accessible to a wider public. The contribution on resistance to National Socialism and Nazi persecution reminds us that historical events are always connected with individual people and personal destinies. Researching their lives and preserving their stories for future generations are central aims of the Digital Biographical Archive of the NS Resistance in Tyrol.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When was Forum Hall in Tirol, Volume 5, presented?

The fifth volume of the scholarly publication series was presented to the public on 22 April 2025 at the Ablinger Garber publishing house’s Medienturm in Hall in Tyrol.

Who edited the fifth volume?

Forum Hall in Tyrol – New Perspectives on the History of the Town, Volume 5, was edited by historian and archaeologist Mag. Dr Alexander Zanesco.

Which subjects does the collected volume cover?

Its 15 scholarly articles explore a wide range of topics relating to the history of Hall in Tyrol. They span the period from prehistory and early history through the Middle Ages and the modern era to National Socialism.

What did Elisabeth Walder contribute to the volume?

Elisabeth Walder contributed an article on resistance to National Socialism and the people persecuted by the Nazi regime in Hall in Tyrol. The article is closely connected to her research for the Digital Biographical Archive of the NS Resistance in Tyrol.

Why is research into local resistance to National Socialism important?

Local historical research shows how the National Socialist dictatorship affected individuals and society in Hall in Tyrol. It also brings renewed attention to the women and men who resisted the regime, assisted persecuted people, or themselves became victims of Nazi persecution.

Where is Forum Hall in Tirol, Volume 5, available?

The volume is available from bookshops and the publisher. It comprises 416 pages and has the ISBN 978-3-200-10413-6.

What is the Digital Biographical Archive of the NS Resistance in Tyrol?

The Digital Biographical Archive of the NS Resistance in Tyrol, abbreviated as DBANT, publishes scholarly biographies of women and men who resisted National Socialism or suffered persecution under the Nazi regime. Historical sources, photographs, archival records, and personal recollections make their life stories permanently accessible.

Article in the Haller Blatt

“Die Lücken in der Geschichte schließen” (“Closing the Gaps in History”)—an article about the fifth volume of Forum Hall in Tirol. Published in Haller Blatt, 2 May 2025, p. 25, Culture section. Photograph: Elisabeth Walder, Hall in Tirol.

Further Information

Biography and Dachau Concentration Camp Memoir of Dr Ernst Verdross

Visit the Digital Biographical Archive of the NS Resistance in Tyrol