International Symposium for Younger Descendants of Former Prisoners at Sachsenhausen Memorial and Szczypiorski House, October 26th – 31st, 2021
Many descendants of the survivors of national socialist camps continue with the important work of remembrance through federations, committees and more. However, the 3rd and 4th generations of descendants’ perspectives have rarely been heard until now. As part of the youth-project YOUNG INTERVENTIONS, we would like to provide the opportunity for exchange. During the symposium, descendants will be able to visit Sachsenhausen Memorial and its archive, network with each other, and develop collective projects.
We would like to discuss the following questions: Which of the (great) grandparents’ stories and experiences are remembered? Which effects of Nazi persecution remain visible in survivors’ grandchildren and greatgrandchildren in various countries? What does the future of remembrance look like? How can we publicly broach the experiences of survivors’ descendants and share them in a way that reaches young people in particular? At our kick-off meeting in April, initial ideas for a collective project “New Voices” emerged, which have the potential to be further developed.
On the program:
- Workshops and round tables with other younger descendants on personal experiences, perspectives and family histories, as well as the transfer of memory
- Collective visit to Sachsenhausen Memorial, including the collection and archive
- Visits to places of commemoration in Berlin and discussions on memory culture
- Talk by the director of the Foundation of Brandenburg Memorials Dr. Axel Drecoll
- Talk by Dr. Stefanie Bohra on the criminal prosecution against the perpetrators of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
- Talk by an artist from the 3rd generation, on dealing with their familial heritage through art
The symposium is aimed at the 3rd and 4th generations of descendants of victims and survivors of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camps and its satellite camps, from various countries. It will take place at the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum between October 26th – 31st, 2021. It is also possible to participate exclusively on the weekend. The language of the event is English. Accommodation in double rooms and catering will be provided at the International Youth Center Sachsenhausen – Szczypiorski House in Oranienburg. The reimbursement of travel costs is possible.
We welcome registrations for the International Symposium for Descendants extended until October 10rd. Spots are limited. Further details, information, and the program will be provided following registration.
Funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media