The historical-cultural change in perspective in the historical sciences has altered the way we see the social movements of the 20th century, and hence also the youth movement. As a consequence, the archives dedicated to preserving the history of these movements are increasingly frequented by researchers. This is also the case with the Archives of the German Youth Movement (at Ludwigstein Castle) that has opened up for the documentation of new youth movements since the 1960s and to this end is seeking to expand exchange with scholars and archivists. Only through networks – linking up free-lance and established, full-time and volunteer workers, those interested from an archival and from an historical perspective – can work on the historical heritage of social movements be organised meaningfully.