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XanthH

@xanthh.bsky.social
658 followers 527 following 1.5K posts

#NOWAR! Scottish-German painter, writer, gardener, actor, photographer and family historian. Editor of German language online lexicon on nuclear weapons, "Atomwaffen A-Z". Living in Berlin, often in Greece.

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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
If you don't know this story, as a US-American, you should.
67bombs.com
Exploring Marshallese Displacement in '67 Bombs to Enid'
Explore the compelling documentary '67 BOMBS TO ENID,' revealing Marshallese trauma and resilience after U.S. nuclear tests in the 20th century.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
In this final part of A Walk in the Garden, I’m taking you into the front garden. Enjoy the roses, Japanese anemone, coral bells and other plants that catch the eye of the passers-by. 🌱
xfacto.red
A Walk in the Front Garden
In this final part of A Walk in the Garden, I’m taking you into the front garden. Enjoy the roses, Japanese anemone, coral bells and other plants that catch the eye of the passers-by.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
On this day 40 years ago, Mordechai Vanunu was kidnapped, drugged and taken to #Israel where was imprisoned for 18 years, 11 of which were in solitary confinement. Even today the nuclear whistleblower is not allowed to leave Israel. Read his story here: ippnweupdate.wordpress.com?p=7662
ippnweupdate.wordpress.com
40 years later: The Abduction of Mordechai Vanunu
Front page of The Sunday Times, 5 Oct 1986. Image: Peter Hounam Few whistleblowers have risked as much as Mordechai Vanunu did when he handed over covertly taken photographs of the Dimona nuclear f…
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Second part of A Walk in the Garden in which we explore more of the back garden and say goodbye to the old weeping willow. 🌱
xfacto.red
A Walk in the Garden, part 2
The second part of a walk in the garden takes us further back, introducing various garden features, some more plants and the willow whose days are sadly numbered.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Before I leave my garden for a couple of months, I thought I could record the state of play there. There's lots going on. 🌱
xfacto.red
A Walk in the Garden
Take a walk with me through our Berlin garden. There’s much to see at this time of year. The richness of Autumn is palpable, one of my favourite times of year.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
On this day in 1842, Helen Chambers, my 2x great-grandmother was born. This is her story, one of unimaginable loss. Her experience shows that even middle-class women lost their children to infectious diseases in the 19th Century. #familyhistory #genealogy
xfacto.red
No Time to Grieve
My 2x great grandmother suffered untold loss in her life. Of 13 children, 7 died young. She had no time to grieve one before becoming pregnant with the next.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
ICYMI: The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is 30 years old! And yet this groundbreaking treaty has still not entered into force, although a global network of monitoring stations verifies the ban on nuclear explosions that is miraculously still holding. #armscontrol
peaceandhealthblog.com
30 years later: The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)
Negotiations begin on the CTBT in Geneva. Image: CTBTO The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted on this day — 10 September 1996 — by a vote in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)…
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
In my new guise as a Data Doctor on #Wikitree I discovered Florence. She had a surprise for me in store. And with a little help from a colleague on BlueSky, I found out more. And ended up adopting her. #genealogy #storytelling
xanthh.substack.com
Discovery of a Data Doctor
Correcting (and adopting) an orphan profile on Wikitree
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
In my new 'job' as a Data Doctor on #Wikitree while sourcing orphaned profiles.in Kent, I found this 👇. In 1901, the Kennett family had taken Florence in as a 'nurse child'. By 1911 she had been adopted by them. I couldn't find her birth registration. #genealogy
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This is the old plan for our house and garden in November 1984 when it was the Kreiskulturhaus Treptow. The Coach House was used as a music school. More about it in my short video talk at #AATP #Puschkinallee5 #OnePlaceWednesday
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Ever tried using #Wikitree and found it hard-going? My experience is that if you stick at it and use the right extensions you can find a helpful and friendly community of Genealogists. #genealogy #orphantrail
xanthh.substack.com
Life on the Orphan Trail
Wikitree and best practice
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
In the summer of 1990 the sale of the century was in full swing. Everything had to go. Including the Wall. Read the latest in the series "Back in the Day in Berlin" here 👇
backinthedayinberlin.substack.com
Going, going, gone
Part 19: The take-over of East Germany
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Just found this little momento in a box of photos. It is a Dinky Toy Meccano British Railway train from the 1950s. Brought back lots of memories. #familyhistory
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Wonderful @nwkfhs.bsky.social zoom talk yesterday evening by Judy Hill on the life of servants in the Victorian period in Britain. Sounded pretty grim, but better than the mines, factory or being an ag lab. #genealogy
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A Few Forgotten Women @afewforgottenwomen.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
@afewforgottenwomen.bsky.social are proud to be a Silver Sponsor of 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔! Find out more - sog.org.uk/welcome-to-a... #AllAboutThatPlace #FamilyHistory #Genealogy #WomensHistory #AFewForgottenWomen
Square promotional graphic on a parchment-style background. At the top, purple text reads “Silver Sponsor” and “All About That Place”, with a decorative gold flourish beneath. Below is “A Few Forgotten Women” in large purple lettering. The centre features the A Few Forgotten Women logo, showing a seated Victorian woman surrounded by a wreath of blue flowers and greenery, pinned in place with a gold drawing pin. An antique compass overlaps the lower left of the logo. At the bottom is a green decorative ribbon displaying #AATP in white.
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North West Kent Family History Society @nwkfhs.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Can you help run our Society? We urgently need to fill a number of volunteer roles within the Society including a Chair, further details can be found on what’s involved below. Please feel free to contact the Society if you are able to help in any way #NWKFHS
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Thomas Cordukes was the last of the profiles I completed in order to graduate from the Orphan Trail 1. Now I want to take on Orphan Trail 2 which deals with the really old profiles pre 1700. But there's a waiting list... #Wikitree #Genealogy
wikitree.com
Thomas Cordukes (abt.1747-1822) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree
Is this your ancestor? Compare DNA and explore genealogy for Thomas Cordukes born abt. 1747 North Ings, Sheriff Hutton, Yorkshire, England died 1822 York, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom including ancestors + descendants + 1 photos + DNA connections + more in the free family tree community.
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IPPNW Germany @ippnwgermany.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Vor 20 Jahren wurde der Semei-Vertrag unterzeichnet, um eine atomwaffenfreie Zone in Zentralasien zu schaffen. Die USA weigern sich bis heute, den Mitgliedsstaaten eine Garantie zu geben, sie nicht mit Atomwaffen anzugreifen. Mehr zum Semei-Vertrag: www.atomwaffena-z.info/glossar/begr...
Karte von Zentalasien: Kasachstan, Kirgisistan, Tadschikistan, Turkmenistan, Usbekistan
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Actually, THIS is the quick peek I wanted to give you of Puschkinallee 5, my One-Place-Study. #AATP #OnePlaceWednesday
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
A quick peek at the subject of my One-Place-Study, Puschkinallee 5, in Berlin Alt-Treptow. More on 13 Oct, #AATP #OnePlaceWednesday
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
For Caturday, I thought this painting by Horatio Henry Couldery might entice you to read my latest family story. Horatio's mother was my 4th great grandaunt. And he wasn't the only artist in the family. #genealogy #caturday
xanthh.substack.com
The Couldery Family
Animal, landscape and portrait artists
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IPPNW Germany @ippnwgermany.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Sat, 12.09.2026 Global Health Conference "The Right to Health in Times of War" in #Berlin: How can we protect health care? What does solidarity look like in practice? Register now: ippnw.de/bit/ghc
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
My first time giving a video talk at #AATP on 13 Oct 2026 on my One-Place-Study about our house on Puschkinallee in Berlin. Hope you can join me. #OnePlaceWednesday
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Society of Genealogists @sogorg.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Which AATP talks are you most looking forward to? 👀 The full All About That Place 2026 itinerary is now available! Take a look at what's coming up and tell us which talk, workshop or session you're most excited about. See the itinerary: sog.org.uk/welcome-to-a... #Genealogy #AATP2026
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
I'm on the #Wikitree England Project Orphan Trail, stage 1.2. This means I am working on orphaned profiles in the period 1700-1837. This one has all but defeated me. Most of it is made up of research notes. Hopefully my notes can help a relative of this family with their research. #genealogy
wikitree.com
Agnes (Casson) Coward (bef.1791-bef.1836) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree
Is this your ancestor? Explore genealogy for Aggy (Casson) Coward born bef. 1791 Halldunnerdale, Lancashire, England died 1836 Halldunnerdale, Lancashire, England including ancestors + descendants + 1 photos + more in the free family tree community.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Everyone remembers 1989 when the Wall came down. But what happened in 1990 in Berlin? Short answer: a lot. Apart from partying, there was much to debate...
backinthedayinberlin.substack.com
No longer divided, not yet united
Part 18: Berlin after the Wall
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
I finished my second profile on the Orphan Trail for the #Wikitree England Project. I deliberately chose a woman and I loved her name: Love. So if anyone out there is related to her, I hope you benefit from my work. #genealogy
wikitree.com
Anna Maria (Love) Welham (1878-1936) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree
Is this your ancestor? Explore genealogy for Annie (Love) Welham born 1878 Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England died 1936 Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England including ancestors + descendants + more in the free family tree community.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I've joined the #Wikitree England Project and now I'm in the "Orphan Trail". This consists of working on orphaned profiles, writing/improving bios and finding sources. You get a "Trailblazer" to help you. Mine's Liz and she's already taught me loads on just this first profile. #genealogy
wikitree.com
Sydney Mitchell (1838-1886) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree
Is this your ancestor? Explore genealogy for Sydney Mitchell born 1838 Deptford, Kent, England died 1886 New Malden, Kingston, Surrey, England including parents + descendants + more in the free family tree community.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
At the end of my family history tour we visited the British Library and got reader's passes. Then we went upstairs to the Asian and African Reading Room - a real treat! #genealogy
xanthh.substack.com
The Reading Room
Postscript to Looking for Rueggs and Scudders
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
At the beginning of August I went on a 4-day family history tour around North West Kent with my cousin.There was much to be found, but only one grave. It reminded me of going on safari. While you look for the big 5 you can miss all the other amazing stuff going on right next to you.
xanthh.substack.com
Looking for Rueggs and Skudders
Kent Family History Tour
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Yesterday was my granduncle's birthday. I've been working up his Wikitree profile with the intention of "going for gold", i.e. achieving gold standard for his profile. But all records abruptly end in 1922, no death is recorded, and I can't find his wife... Ideas? #genealogy
wikitree.com
Harold Arthur Blenkiron (1893-) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree
Is this your ancestor? Compare DNA and explore genealogy for Harold Blenkiron born 1893 Croydon, Surrey, England, United Kingdom including ancestors + DNA connections + more in the free family tree community.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
The arguments in this article definitely outweigh the benefits of using genAI. Try to read it with an open mind and then ask yourself: do I really need an AI created picture to illustrate my post? Do I need AI created music to entertain my followers? Could I not write this article myself?
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Come on over to Substack on Wednesday to meet me and find out more about my publications Back in the Day in Berlin and X-factored Family Stories. Lots to tell! #familyhistory #Berlin
tockify.com
Behind the Publication with Xanthe Hall
This event is hosted and created by Jennifer Jones from Tracking Down The Family. Behind The Publication is a casual chat series with authors of publications on
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
On this day ten years ago, a UN subsidiary body voted on its final report and made history. The 2016 Open-Ended Working Group on Taking Forward Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament Negotiations made a groundbreaking recommendation to the General Assembly, leading to a #nuclearban. This is what happened.
peaceandhealthblog.com
Ten Years On: History in the making
Landmark report recommends to the UN to negotiate a nuclearban Delegates vote on final report of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG), 19 Aug 2016. Photo: Xanthe Hall On 19 August 2016 a UN Open-End…
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Happy birthday to my 2x great grandmother, Elizabeth Ivin, born on this day in 1849. She was a wardrobe dealer—but what was that exactly? Read her story, here 👇 #genealogy #familyhistory
xanthh.substack.com
From Wardrobe Dealing to Fancy Repository
Maternal 2nd great-Grandmother, born 1849
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Cool event last night at Kreuzberger Festsaal: Berlin Indie Night. Love the location. Not just dancing but a real sing-along. People had a great time and all before 10 pm! #BerlinBerlin #streetphotography
Bar in Kreuzberger FestsaalBerlin Indie Night, Kreuzberger Festsaal View from behind the DJ (no. 2), Berlin Indie Night, Kreuzberger Festsaal
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
The moment you’ve all been waiting for. It’s 1989 and the people of the GDR want change. One slip at a press conference starts the tsunami and suddenly, the border is open; the Wall crumbles. Read part 17 of Back in the Day in Berlin. #BerlinWall #1989
xanthh.substack.com
Walls come tumbling down
Part 17: 1989, The Fall of the Berlin Wall
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
I'm not sure who is on this photo, passed down from my uncle. Suggestions are that it might be from around 1904 judging by the clothes. It would have been taken at a mixed race girls' school, probably in Simla, India, that also took boys in the infant class. Any ideas? #genealogy #familyphotos
School photo, about 1904, likely Simla, Punjab, India.
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
OTD 30 years ago, the Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons presented a groundbreaking report examining nuclear deterrence. It also proposed a series of concrete steps to immediately begin the process of nuclear disarmament. Today, opinions on its conclusions remain divided.
peaceandhealthblog.com
Thirty years on: The Canberra Commission
Executive summary of Canberra Commission Report, 1996 In its report, presented on August 14, 1996, the Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons examined nuclear deterrence. It also…
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Going back to the beginning of the Kent Family History Tour: we visited the Kent Archeological Society in Maidstone museum. We found the book Summer Evening Rambles Round Woolwich, a slim volume by our 3x great-grandfather Richard Ruegg which we were even allowed to photocopy. #genealogy #Kent
Maidstone MuseumSummer's Evening Rambles Round Woolwich by Richard Ruegg Kent Archeological Society
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
I made it to the British Library today and got my free reading pass. We headed up to the Reading Room for Asian and African Studies and browsed through the shelves. Found my great-grandfather in an Indian Army list from 1895. #genealogy #BritishLibrary
Reading room for Asian and African Studies at the British Library Inside the foyer of the British Library The British Library
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Found a picture of the uncle of the writer Walter die la Mare, William, who was the first incumbent at St Thomas' church in Charlton, Woolwich. The reflected stained glass windows adds a touch of religious devotion that I liked. #genealogy #kent
William die la Mare, first incumbent at St Thomas church, Charlton
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
This is St Edith Well in the lovely village of Kemsing, the last stop on my Kent family history tour. I found the grave of Thomas & Dorothy Acton, my 6x great-grandparents, erected in 1764. I also visited the Kemsing Heritage Centre which has an amazing archive. #genealogy #Kent #familyhistory
St Edith Well, Kemsing, Kent.Discovery of the 1764 gravestone of Thomas and Dorothy Acton in St Mary's churchyard, Kemsing, Kent.St Mary of the Virgin, Kemsing, KentKemsing Heritage Centre
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IPPNW Germany @ippnwgermany.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Heute vor 81 Jahren, am 6. August 1945, zerstörten die USA die japanische Stadt Hiroshima mit einer Atomwaffe. Die Folgen waren verheerend: In Hiroshima starben etwa 140.000 Menschen bis Ende des Jahres 1945. Viele Menschen überlebten schwer verletzt oder litten jahrzehntelang an den Spätfolgen.
In Zeiten wie diesen ist es unerlässlich, im Geiste Hiroshimas zu handeln – einem Geist, der sich nach dem friedlichen Zusammenleben und dem Wohlstand der gesamten Menschheit sehnt. - Kazumi Matsui, Bürgermeister von Hiroshima
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
#genealogy
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
I discovered this brilliant resource yesterday while taking a virtual trip around the East End and Woolwich, looking for where my ancestors lived. maps.thehunthouse.com/Streets/Old_... #genealogy #londonhistory
maps.thehunthouse.com
A-Z Old to New Street names
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Hallo #genhour! Became a member of North West Kent Family History Society in prep for my UK visit and looking up places where my ancestors lived in the county. #genealogy
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
This is my Auntie Sylvia and it was her birthday yesterday. Sadly, she died in 2015 but before she went, she passed on a great collection of family photos. This is my favourite one of her, a bridesmaid at my mother's wedding. #AncestralWomen #genealogy
Sylvia Blenkiron, 26 Jun 1954, Oxford. Photo: Hall family archive
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Hi #genhour! Not long now and I'm flying to England for a family history tour of Kent. Got a list of places, mostly graveyards, to visit. Maybe go to the British Library to look at the British India Office records. Or the National Archives at Kew. What would you do?
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XanthH @xanthh.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
It’s the summer of 1989. A holiday in Prague brings a surprise meeting with reality. The exodus has begun and although the writing is on the Wall, the GDR leadership digs its heels in. Read the next part of “Back in the Day in Berlin”. #ColdWar #IronCurtain #Berlin
open.substack.com
Exodus
Part 16: Summer of 1989
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