Each year, the Future of Remembrance Forum offers relatives of former concentration camp prisoners and victims of Nazi persecution, memorial staff and other interested participants the opportunity to get to know one another and share their views. The 7th Forum, which takes place from 10–12 November 2021 at the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial, will focus on current practices among subsequent generations for critically reappraising experiences of persecution and Nazi perpetratorship in the context of family history and the politics of memory. On the first day, relatives of people persecuted by the Nazis will have the opportunity to talk with one other prior to the start of the public events. Experts will share tips and assistance for helping the descendants of persecutees to publicly present their family histories.

The public part of the Forum begins at noon on 10 November. The first discussion will explore the perspectives of grandchildren of Nazi perpetrators who are grappling with the burden of their family history in graphic novels, written literature, documentary films, history classes and photography. In this context, the crimes of the National Socialists become a focal point for reflecting on the current social and artistic activities of people whose forebears were involved in the crimes. The photo exhibition entitled ‘Luise: Archaeology of an Injustice’ is one example of such activity. This exhibition will open during the Forum and be on public display at the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial until 13 March 2022.

On Thursday, the Forum will start with a dialogue between two guests from France whose fathers were imprisoned in the Neuengamme concentration camp, as well as two Hamburg residents who are the children of Nazi perpetrators. ‘Mémoire à quatre voix’ (Memory in Four Voices) investigates possibilities for living with experiences of persecution and Nazi perpetratorship and for engaging in a dialogue that crosses the boundaries of biographical differences. This dialogue also serves as an example of cooperatively promoting a form of social interaction in the present day which includes a responsible approach to dealing with the crimes of the Nazi period.

Later in the afternoon, representatives of associations of former prisoners and their relatives from different European countries will report on their activities at various stations. The participants will also have an opportunity to talk with one another. A panel discussion with people whose relatives were subjected to Nazi violence for various reasons will look at practices employed by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the victims for grappling with their family history of persecution.

The second day of the Forum will end with a report and discussion about the politics of memory in Spain. Under Franco and in the wake of his dictatorship, the subject of family experiences of Nazi persecution was excluded from public discourse for decades there. On Friday, relatives of former persecutees and other interested individuals will have an opportunity to print posters they have designed in memory of former prisoners of Neuengamme in the Space to Remember, Connect and Support. Previously printed posters will be put up together by the participants. The Space to Remember, Connect and Support was dedicated in the grounds of the Memorial during the Forum in 2020. To close the Forum, a tour will be offered through the grounds and exhibitions of the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial which will focus on the perspective of family history.

Concept: Dr Alexandre Froidevaux and Dr Oliver von Wrochem

Venue: Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial, Centre for Historical Studies, Jean-Dolidier-Weg 75, 21039 Hamburg

Simultaneous interpretation will be available in German and English; other languages can be provided if necessary.

Important note: All participants and attendees are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery. Please be sure to bring the corresponding documents with you!

Registration:

You must register by 5 November 2021 to attend the Forum. A non-refundable registration fee of 60,00 EUR (30,00 EUR reduced rate) will be charged to cover the cost of catering.

Please register by contacting Juliane Podlaha:
Juliane Podlaha
Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial
Centre for Historical Studies
Tel.: +49 (0)40 428 131 568
email: juliane.podlaha@gedenkstaetten.hamburg.de