David P. Boder

David P. Boder was a prominent Latvian-American professor of psychology who held a position at the Illinois Institute of Technology. His work extended beyond the academic realm, as he undertook a significant project in 1946 to document the experiences of Holocaust survivors in Europe. This endeavor marked a crucial milestone in the field of psychology and historical record-keeping.

Boder's trip to Europe in 1946 resulted in the collection of over a hundred interviews, totaling 120 hours of recordings. Utilizing a wire recorder developed by his colleague, Professor Marvin Camras, Boder became the first individual to systematically record the testimonies of Holocaust survivors. His efforts have yielded a highly valued primary source reference, providing invaluable insights into the experiences of those who endured the Holocaust. As such, Boder's work remains a notable contribution to the field of psychology and historical documentation.