The Future of Memory in Germany - CANCELLED

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Abstract

The paper will explore the future of memorial sites in Germany based on visitor research at the concentration camp memorials Flossenbürg and Ravensbrück, the House of the Wannsee Conference and the Stasi prison memorial Bautzen II. The paper will argue that the exhibitions at the concentration camp memorials and the House of the Wannsee Conference need to change. Whilst the memorials evoked intense emotions at times, frequently visitors showed signs of fatigue due to the repetitive nature of the exhibitions, specifically images. The visits to the German concentration camp memorials were also overshadowed by the global narrative of Auschwitz which now represents the 'true' horrors.

Biography

Doreen Pastor (University of Bristol) is currently researching the politics of memorialisation and the visitor response to the exhibitions, with a special focus on Germany. She has conducted fieldwork at Flossenbürg Concentration Camp memorial, Ravensbrück concentration camp memorial, the House of the Wannsee Conference Berlin and BautzenII Stasi prison memorial. She is interested in the politics of commemorative practices, heritage, cultural memory and tourism development in relation to 'difficult' sites.

Simultaneous Translation

The event will be delivered in the medium of English. You are welcome to ask questions in the medium of Welsh during the Q&A session. If you intend to do this, please contact mlang-events@cardiff.ac.uk by Thursday 21 March to request simultaneous translation. Please note that 10% or more of those planning to attend will need to request this provision in order for it to be sourced and will be subject to resource availability.

Registration

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