Diversity of the memorial museums landscape
Dynamic diversity
Nazi memorial museums are an important part of our culture of remembrance and shape our collective memory of society.
But what constitutes memorial museums and what topics do they explore?
We demonstrate here the marked diversity of Germany’s memorial museums landscape. German memorial museums have different emphases and many local features.
But what constitutes memorial museums and what topics do they explore?
We demonstrate here the marked diversity of Germany’s memorial museums landscape. German memorial museums have different emphases and many local features.
National Socialism
The National Socialists established a dictatorship in the German Reich in 1933 and subsequently occupied large parts of Europe until the end of the war in 1945.
Nazi ideology was mainly directed against Jews and Slavs as well as political opponents and minorities. These individuals were ostracized, persecuted and murdered for racist, biological and social reasons. The aftermath of these crimes against humanity is still perceptible in many countries and families.
Thus, the driving commitment behind memory work is: “Never again.”
Nazi ideology was mainly directed against Jews and Slavs as well as political opponents and minorities. These individuals were ostracized, persecuted and murdered for racist, biological and social reasons. The aftermath of these crimes against humanity is still perceptible in many countries and families.
Thus, the driving commitment behind memory work is: “Never again.”
What is the purpose of memorial museums?
Memorial museums are a way to remember the victims of National Socialist crimes and to provide information about their history of persecution. This almost always takes place at the historical sites.
The National Socialists persecuted millions of people for various reasons. Different memorial museums consequently focus on different topics.
The National Socialists persecuted millions of people for various reasons. Different memorial museums consequently focus on different topics.
Foundations of the memorial museums
“Is one memorial museum enough?“
In Germany alone there are more than 280 memorial museums devoted to Nazi victims and document Nazi crimes.
That there are so many such memorial museums reflects the extensive persecution committed during the National Socialist era, which is documented at these historical locations.
There are memorial museums in every region and in every major city in Germany, as well as throughout Europe.
That there are so many such memorial museums reflects the extensive persecution committed during the National Socialist era, which is documented at these historical locations.
There are memorial museums in every region and in every major city in Germany, as well as throughout Europe.
Remember, preserve, learn
The memory of Holocaust victims is present in society, and memorial sites often reflect this.
In addition to Jews, there were other victim groups. These included the Sinti and Roma; politically persecuted people; gay people; individuals the Nazis deemed to be anti-social, professional criminals or mentally and physically ill individuals; prisoners of war; forced laborers; victims of Wehrmacht justice; Jehovah’s Witnesses; members of the Christian faith; and numerous civilian victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity in occupied Europe.
They are remembered today in the places of their persecution.
In addition to Jews, there were other victim groups. These included the Sinti and Roma; politically persecuted people; gay people; individuals the Nazis deemed to be anti-social, professional criminals or mentally and physically ill individuals; prisoners of war; forced laborers; victims of Wehrmacht justice; Jehovah’s Witnesses; members of the Christian faith; and numerous civilian victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity in occupied Europe.
They are remembered today in the places of their persecution.
Development of memorial museums
The road to the achievement of Germany’s diverse memorial landscape was long and difficult.
International prisoner associations, civic initiatives and state actions have shaped its development to varying degrees.
International prisoner associations, civic initiatives and state actions have shaped its development to varying degrees.
What do these places look like?
The memorial museums you visit have changed over the years and no longer look like they did during the Nazi era.
Small and large
Germany has a decentralized culture of remembrance, which means that it is not centrally determined.
Notorious places—such as Buchenwald, Dachau and Sachsenhausen—receive hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
Smaller memorial museums in other regions demonstrate that Nazi crimes were committed everywhere and were omnipresent.
Below is information about how large and smaller memorial sites are financed:
Notorious places—such as Buchenwald, Dachau and Sachsenhausen—receive hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
Smaller memorial museums in other regions demonstrate that Nazi crimes were committed everywhere and were omnipresent.
Below is information about how large and smaller memorial sites are financed:
Variety of workspaces
Not only tour guides
Many people think of tour guides when they think of employees of memorial sites.
However, memorial museums also need other qualified employees who work in various departments.
After all, at these sites traces of the past are secured and preserved, and new information is compiled and acquired through research projects and then mediated to others through events, exhibitions, publications and educational work.
However, memorial museums also need other qualified employees who work in various departments.
After all, at these sites traces of the past are secured and preserved, and new information is compiled and acquired through research projects and then mediated to others through events, exhibitions, publications and educational work.
All-rounders
The diverse nature of memorial work requires employees to be interested in many things and qualified in many ways, as they must manage a wide variety of tasks every day.
International sites
Millions of visitors animate these sites.
These individuals have a historical interest and are hoping to learn about family members or are on an excursion with their school class.
With each visitor, individual interests, motivations and questions from all over the world find their way to these places.
Thus, the story conveyed at any given site will always be interpreted differently.
These individuals have a historical interest and are hoping to learn about family members or are on an excursion with their school class.
With each visitor, individual interests, motivations and questions from all over the world find their way to these places.
Thus, the story conveyed at any given site will always be interpreted differently.
What does the future have in store?
There are different questions, themes and problems that preoccupy the memorial museums and their staff.
In view of the ever-decreasing number of contemporary witnesses, the importance of the historical sites increases. This leads to the creation of new pedagogical concepts.
Digital formats are increasingly being incorporated into memorial work.
In addition, a different social commitment will affect these places.
The memorial museums will therefore continue to change in the future and may soon look different from their appearance today.
In view of the ever-decreasing number of contemporary witnesses, the importance of the historical sites increases. This leads to the creation of new pedagogical concepts.
Digital formats are increasingly being incorporated into memorial work.
In addition, a different social commitment will affect these places.
The memorial museums will therefore continue to change in the future and may soon look different from their appearance today.
Outro
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Imprint
The Topography of Terror Foundation
Memorial museums department
Sven Hilbrandt (research fellow)
Dr. Thomas Lutz (project director)
Niederkirchnerstraße 8
10963 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 25450910
Mail.: gedenkstaettenreferat@topographie.de
Editing: Dr. Angelika Königseder
Translation: Marie Frohling
Created with support of Be-Yond Strategic Consulting GbR.
Funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media and the Senate Department of Culture and Europe of the state of Berlin.
Memorial museums department
Sven Hilbrandt (research fellow)
Dr. Thomas Lutz (project director)
Niederkirchnerstraße 8
10963 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 25450910
Mail.: gedenkstaettenreferat@topographie.de
Editing: Dr. Angelika Königseder
Translation: Marie Frohling
Created with support of Be-Yond Strategic Consulting GbR.
Funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media and the Senate Department of Culture and Europe of the state of Berlin.
Preservation of artifacts and traces of the past
Preservation of artifacts and traces of the past
Even if they represent little “authenticity” because of their re-organization and re-use, it is the built stone and built traces and artifacts that point to the historical events at the sites. To animate them, information about their history is usually provided.
The stone and built remains are conserved at each memorial, increasingly a topic of exploration and integrated into the site’s mediation work.
As the last “contemporary witnesses,” these material remnants and artifacts speak to us as visitors and motivate us to continue our work
The stone and built remains are conserved at each memorial, increasingly a topic of exploration and integrated into the site’s mediation work.
As the last “contemporary witnesses,” these material remnants and artifacts speak to us as visitors and motivate us to continue our work
Preservation of artifacts and traces of the past
Collecting and archiving
A central task of a memorial’s is the professional indexing of archival material - some of which has been collected over decades - and making it accessible to the public.
The secured archive material reveals a great deal about past events and the development of the memorial as such.
Below are some impressions from the diverse themes in this field:
The secured archive material reveals a great deal about past events and the development of the memorial as such.
Below are some impressions from the diverse themes in this field:
Archive
Library
Archive's education
Depot
Research and exhibition
Research and exhibition design
Today’s memorial museums are places of research as well as museum work and educational activities.
The knowledge gained in on-site research is incorporated in educational work, exhibitions and scholarly publications, thereby making it accessible to a broader public.
Below are some examples from the various aspects of this field followed by an audio contribution at the end.
The knowledge gained in on-site research is incorporated in educational work, exhibitions and scholarly publications, thereby making it accessible to a broader public.
Below are some examples from the various aspects of this field followed by an audio contribution at the end.
Exhibition design
Databases
Academic literature
Scientific cooperation
In her input, doctor Ann Katrin Düben, head of the Breitenau memorial museum, talks about the cooperation between the memorial museum and the University of Kassel, in which the remembrance side operates as an interface between the urban and rural milieu.
[Unfortunately only in german]
[Unfortunately only in german]
Educational work
Educational work
Memorial sites are not only to be understood as places of cautioning and remembrance, but also as places of cultural learning.
With respect to content and method, they always reflect their location - in order to clarify certain aspects of it - and to create contexts and offer further learning opportunities.
The most important goal of memorial museums is the development and advancement of “historical awareness.” History is complex and many actions of the past make their way into both our present and future.
With respect to content and method, they always reflect their location - in order to clarify certain aspects of it - and to create contexts and offer further learning opportunities.
The most important goal of memorial museums is the development and advancement of “historical awareness.” History is complex and many actions of the past make their way into both our present and future.
Advanced education
Guided tours
Workshops
Public relations and events
Public relations and events
Public relations activities and public events represent the memorial museums to the outside world.
Like all departments of a memorial, this area also has a unique responsibility in how the past and content are conveyed.
Like all departments of a memorial, this area also has a unique responsibility in how the past and content are conveyed.
Events
Press and Media Communication
culture marketing and -management
Website and social media
Apps and digital releases
The voice of the memorial museum
What are the questions to be worked on in the PR department of a memorial and what kind of work is there to do?
Dr. Iris Groschek, Head of the PR and Social Media Department at the Foundation of Hamburg Memorials and Learning Centres, which also includes the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial, gives us a little insight.
[Unfortunately only in german]
Dr. Iris Groschek, Head of the PR and Social Media Department at the Foundation of Hamburg Memorials and Learning Centres, which also includes the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial, gives us a little insight.
[Unfortunately only in german]
„Euthanasia“
„Euthanasia“
One such crime complex is the persecution and murder of mentally and physically ill people in nursing homes, mental institutions and other facilities.
In 1940 and 1941, as part of the so-called euthanasia campaign, 70,000 people were murdered in gas chambers set up in six such institutions.
By the end of the war, a further 130,000 institutionalized patients had been killed by clinical staff members or starved to death in such facilities. In addition, at least 15,000 prisoners who had been singled out in the concentration camps were also gassed to death in the “euthanasia” institutions.
In 1940 and 1941, as part of the so-called euthanasia campaign, 70,000 people were murdered in gas chambers set up in six such institutions.
By the end of the war, a further 130,000 institutionalized patients had been killed by clinical staff members or starved to death in such facilities. In addition, at least 15,000 prisoners who had been singled out in the concentration camps were also gassed to death in the “euthanasia” institutions.
Concentration camps and satellite camps
Concentration camps and satellite camps
The memorial museums at sites of former concentration camps and their satellite camps are outstanding in the public awareness.
Concentration camps were set up as early as spring 1933. One such concentration camp was located in Breitenau near Kassel.
From 1936 to 1945, 32 main camps were run under the direction of the SS. Most of the more than 1,000 satellite camps were set up in the second half of the war.
Concentration camps were set up as early as spring 1933. One such concentration camp was located in Breitenau near Kassel.
From 1936 to 1945, 32 main camps were run under the direction of the SS. Most of the more than 1,000 satellite camps were set up in the second half of the war.
Early concentration camps
By the end of 1933, the SA, SS, police and local Nazi Party functionaries had established close to 100 concentration camps in an effort to eliminate political opposition. These camps were housed in cellars, repurposed factory buildings, restaurants, prisons and other buildings and institutions.
The local population was aware that such camps existed. The press reported on them. Nearly all the early concentration camps were shut down by 1935. These early concentration camps were “schools of violence,” and many SS men began their careers at them.
The local population was aware that such camps existed. The press reported on them. Nearly all the early concentration camps were shut down by 1935. These early concentration camps were “schools of violence,” and many SS men began their careers at them.
Later concentration camps
Since the war’s begin, Nazi concentration camps increasingly functioned as detention centres for people in occupied Europe whom the Nazis defined as political and racial opponents. These prisoners were also a source of labour for the armaments industry. Consequently, the number of internees skyrocketed as the war progressed. Particularly in the war’s final phase, 1944/1945, living conditions in the camps deteriorated, leading the number of deaths to steadily rise.
Inmates performed forced labour in more than 1,000 satellite camps.
Although the concentration camps located near the war fronts in the east and west had already been disbanded and relocated into the Reich by mid-1944, the SS continued to operate the last concentration camps in the inner-German area until the collapse of the Third Reich in April/May 1945.
Inmates performed forced labour in more than 1,000 satellite camps.
Although the concentration camps located near the war fronts in the east and west had already been disbanded and relocated into the Reich by mid-1944, the SS continued to operate the last concentration camps in the inner-German area until the collapse of the Third Reich in April/May 1945.
Police and judiciary
Police and judiciary
The police and the judiciary participated in the complex system of Nazi persecution and crime. Discriminatory laws and special courts criminalized political opponents and ideologically excluded groups. Numerous death sentences based on political grounds were passed. This also applies to thousands of prisoners from Nazi-occupied countries.
Today, memorial museums, sites and documentation centres of the Nazi judiciary and police recall these practices. Such sites include buildings formerly used by the secret state and regular police forces, pre-trial detention centres, penal prisons, penitentiaries, headquarters of the Wehrmacht justice system, labour and education camps, places of authority as well as execution sites.
Today, memorial museums, sites and documentation centres of the Nazi judiciary and police recall these practices. Such sites include buildings formerly used by the secret state and regular police forces, pre-trial detention centres, penal prisons, penitentiaries, headquarters of the Wehrmacht justice system, labour and education camps, places of authority as well as execution sites.
further topics and persecution complexes
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Holocaust
The murder of Jews in Europe was a central crime against humanity committed by the Nazis. The exclusion and persecution conducted by the German state and society began immediately after Hitler came into power in 1933.
During the Second World War, the Jewish population of Europe was systematically deported and killed. Without the support of allies and collaborators across the continent, it would have been impossible to conduct these crimes so extensively.
Remembrance of the victims of the annihilation of Jewish life in Europe is a fundamental aspect of the German culture of remembrance.
During the Second World War, the Jewish population of Europe was systematically deported and killed. Without the support of allies and collaborators across the continent, it would have been impossible to conduct these crimes so extensively.
Remembrance of the victims of the annihilation of Jewish life in Europe is a fundamental aspect of the German culture of remembrance.
POW camps
POW camps
More than 8.6 million Allied soldiers were captured by German forces during World War II. Their fate is impressively portrayed in the more than ten memorial museums at historical locations of prisoner-of-war camps.
POW camps were a special form of Wehrmacht prisons and were often set up as barracks. Memorial museums in places such as the Stalag (main camp) 326 Stukenbrock near Bielefeld focus on the history of the prisoners of war held here and the crimes committed against them.
Of the 5.3 to 5.7 million Soviet prisoners of war in German camps, 2.3 to 3 million died of hunger, cold and inhuman treatment. The Italian military internees had a special status. The German Reich denied the soldiers of the former ally the status of prisoners of war and used them as forced laborers in the armaments industry, despite international laws.
The sites of former prisoner-of-war camps are—like many other sites—international cemeteries because of the origin of the victims.
POW camps were a special form of Wehrmacht prisons and were often set up as barracks. Memorial museums in places such as the Stalag (main camp) 326 Stukenbrock near Bielefeld focus on the history of the prisoners of war held here and the crimes committed against them.
Of the 5.3 to 5.7 million Soviet prisoners of war in German camps, 2.3 to 3 million died of hunger, cold and inhuman treatment. The Italian military internees had a special status. The German Reich denied the soldiers of the former ally the status of prisoners of war and used them as forced laborers in the armaments industry, despite international laws.
The sites of former prisoner-of-war camps are—like many other sites—international cemeteries because of the origin of the victims.
Resistance
Resistance
After the Nazis assumed power, resistance to the new regime came mainly from the labour movement. In just a few months, the government had consolidated its command to such an extent that the little resistance it posed no longer was a threat.
A small minority, however, continued to offer resistance, which had different motivations and forms. Despite the control of many areas of life and the persecution of all its opponents, the Nazi regime was unable to completely suppress such resistance.
Because of its role-model like nature, the resistance against the Nazis and its actors is explored separately.
A small minority, however, continued to offer resistance, which had different motivations and forms. Despite the control of many areas of life and the persecution of all its opponents, the Nazi regime was unable to completely suppress such resistance.
Because of its role-model like nature, the resistance against the Nazis and its actors is explored separately.
Jewish history
Jewish history in Germany
An exceptional aspect in the memorial landscape is the remembrance of the history of the Jews in Germany, as is evident in the former Laufersweiler synagogue in Hunsrück.
In Germany, the Holocaust nearly wiped out Jewish life in all its diversity. Nevertheless, the history of German Jews cannot be reduced to Nazi persecution, which becomes apparent at these memorial sites and museums.
In Germany, the Holocaust nearly wiped out Jewish life in all its diversity. Nevertheless, the history of German Jews cannot be reduced to Nazi persecution, which becomes apparent at these memorial sites and museums.
Nazi documentation sites
Nazi documentation sites
Nazi documentation centres, such as the Topography of Terror in Berlin, the Nazi Party Rally Grounds in Nuremberg, Obersalzberg—in the context of its significance as one of Hitler’s residences—the NSDAP Order School Vogelsang and the Kraft durch Freude ("Strength through Joy") seaside resort Prora, are another distinctive feature of Germany’s memorial landscape.
Strictly speaking, these sites are not memorial museums. Rather, they document Nazi ideology and crime structures at historical locations, focusing on the tyranny’s causes, contexts and consequences.
They were not created in memory of a specific group of victims. The effects of the ideology and actions of the perpetrators, nevertheless, are also examined at these sites.
Strictly speaking, these sites are not memorial museums. Rather, they document Nazi ideology and crime structures at historical locations, focusing on the tyranny’s causes, contexts and consequences.
They were not created in memory of a specific group of victims. The effects of the ideology and actions of the perpetrators, nevertheless, are also examined at these sites.
Documentation and remembrance
The exhibitions document historical structures and processes, thereby relating the responsibilities and manoeuvrability of those involved.
In addition, the ideological foundations of the Nazi regime and the participation of the state and society in the dictatorial system are integrated into the presentations.
In addition, the ideological foundations of the Nazi regime and the participation of the state and society in the dictatorial system are integrated into the presentations.
Regional memorial museums
Regional memorial museums
In some cities, especially larger ones, certain city museums are dedicated to the history of Nazi persecution on site. They are often located at a site associated with a special event or an important local Nazi authority.
Such presentations often focus is on the individual fates of former citizens who were marginalized and persecuted during the Nazi era or who resisted Nazi rule a well as on that particular city’s historical development.
Such presentations often focus is on the individual fates of former citizens who were marginalized and persecuted during the Nazi era or who resisted Nazi rule a well as on that particular city’s historical development.
Ausstellungen regionaler Gedenkstätten
The stories to be learned at such sites are not always region-specific. Many people had to flee the Nazis and others were deported. Because the survivors or relatives of Nazi victims live all over the world, these institutions also have an international significance.
For many years, the involvement of city administrators and personalities in National Socialism was deliberately obscured. Over the past decades, many cities have begun to face their inglorious past.
For many years, the involvement of city administrators and personalities in National Socialism was deliberately obscured. Over the past decades, many cities have begun to face their inglorious past.
Forced labour camps
Forced labour camps
In almost all larger cities and all larger companies there are references to memorial museums or sites of former forced labour camps. The focus at such places is on the conditions and individual fates of those subjected to civilian forced labour, which differed structurally from that in concentration camps and prisoner-of-war camps. The involvement of large corporations and individual companies is addressed at these sites.
More than 13 million civilians were deported from occupied Europe to several thousand forced labour camps in Germany, especially in the second half of the war. These sites are thus international places of remembrance.
Although Nazi forced labour was a public and visible crime, for many years its commemoration was not integral to the German culture of remembrance. This changed primarily with the demands for compensation. To this end, the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future was established in August 2000.
More than 13 million civilians were deported from occupied Europe to several thousand forced labour camps in Germany, especially in the second half of the war. These sites are thus international places of remembrance.
Although Nazi forced labour was a public and visible crime, for many years its commemoration was not integral to the German culture of remembrance. This changed primarily with the demands for compensation. To this end, the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future was established in August 2000.
Was sagen die Besucher*innen?
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1945: end of the war
Immediately after the war ended, the first prisoners’ associations were founded with the support of the Allies to collectively remember Nazi crimes and - above all - to commemorate their victims. They often erected simple memorial museums to honour their fellow prisoners who had died.
1945 to the 1960s: post-war period
In the following years, former prisoners’ associations advanced the establishment of memorial museums.
The Allied powers, however, also pushed for the establishment of memorial museums, as in the case of Bergen-Belsen in 1952.
The Allied powers, however, also pushed for the establishment of memorial museums, as in the case of Bergen-Belsen in 1952.
From 1958: establishment of national memorial museums and memorial museums in the GDR
At the initiative of former prisoners, in the mid-1950s the Central Committee of the SED decided to create three memorial museums, Buchenwald, Ravensbrück and Sachsenhausen, , which were inaugurated in 1958, 1959 and 1961, respectively.
1980s: “Grassroots movements” in the FRG
Although many Nazi sites and crimes have been forgotten over the years, in the 1980s, in particular, commemorative initiatives supported by civic engagement arose in various places, recalling the crimes and actively doing remembrance work as part of the “grassroots movement.”
1990s: Reunification
With German reunification, the FRG faced the difficult challenge of uniting the East German and West German memorial landscapes. In the context of foreign policy, it was important to present the image of a new, historically-reflected Germany; from a national perspective, it was important to disavow the glorified history of GDR anti-fascism.
1999: Federal memorial museums conception
Following intense political discussions, the federal government developed a concept for memorial museums, in which the “national and international significance” of such sites was recorded and - from that point on - funded partially by the federal government and the federal states.
2008: Development of the memorial museums concept
The focus of memorial museums is increasingly on “developing new didactic concepts and strengthening learning programs at memorial sites.”
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1945: end of the war
Immediately after the war ended, the first prisoners’ associations were founded with the support of the Allies to collectively remember Nazi crimes and - above all - to commemorate their victims. They often erected simple memorial museums to honour their fellow prisoners who had died.
1945 to the 1960s: post-war period
In the following years, former prisoners’ associations advanced the establishment of memorial museums.
The Allied powers, however, also pushed for the establishment of memorial museums, as in the case of Bergen-Belsen in 1952.
From 1958: establishment of national memorial museums and memorial museums in the GDR
At the initiative of former prisoners, in the mid-1950s the Central Committee of the SED decided to create three memorial museums, Buchenwald, Ravensbrück and Sachsenhausen, , which were inaugurated in 1958, 1959 and 1961, respectively.
1980s: “Grassroots movements” in the FRG
Although many Nazi sites and crimes have been forgotten over the years, in the 1980s, in particular, commemorative initiatives supported by civic engagement arose in various places, recalling the crimes and actively doing remembrance work as part of the “grassroots movement.”
1990s: Reunification
With German reunification, the FRG faced the difficult challenge of uniting the East German and West German memorial landscapes. In the context of foreign policy, it was important to present the image of a new, historically-reflected Germany; from a national perspective, it was important to disavow the glorified history of GDR anti-fascism.
1999: Federal memorial museums conception
Following intense political discussions, the federal government developed a concept for memorial museums, in which the “national and international significance” of such sites was recorded and - from that point on - funded partially by the federal government and the federal states.
2008: Development of the memorial museums concept
The focus of memorial museums is increasingly on “developing new didactic concepts and strengthening learning programs at memorial sites.”
National memorial museums and sites of remembrance
National memorial museums and sites of remembrance
The three national memorial museums and sites of remembrance were inaugurated in 1958 (Buchenwald), 1959 (Ravensbrück) and 1961 (Sachsenhausen).
Anti-fascism was part of the founding myth of the GDR.
It was predominantly communist victims who were remembered and the myth of the alleged self-liberation of Buchenwald under the leadership of the communist prisoners was promoted. In the presentation of history, deliberate references to the present were made. The GDR was portrayed as a “new humanistic Germany” and the FRG as a refuge for former Nazis and warmongers.
The establishment of large concentration camp memorial museums should be positively emphasized, however. The locations were staffed and thus operated professionally.
Anti-fascism was part of the founding myth of the GDR.
It was predominantly communist victims who were remembered and the myth of the alleged self-liberation of Buchenwald under the leadership of the communist prisoners was promoted. In the presentation of history, deliberate references to the present were made. The GDR was portrayed as a “new humanistic Germany” and the FRG as a refuge for former Nazis and warmongers.
The establishment of large concentration camp memorial museums should be positively emphasized, however. The locations were staffed and thus operated professionally.
Preservation
Preservation of historical sites
Nazi crimes were committed more than 75 years ago. This temporal distance between a crime and its remembrance poses major challenges for the memorial museums.
Preserving these sites is important, because of the educational work done there, which seeks to preserve the memory of victims and events and to attract visitors.
Conserving historical traces and buildings is a key task. Memorial sites help maintain these historical places and objects, thereby preserving them for future generations.
Preserving these sites is important, because of the educational work done there, which seeks to preserve the memory of victims and events and to attract visitors.
Conserving historical traces and buildings is a key task. Memorial sites help maintain these historical places and objects, thereby preserving them for future generations.
Ravages of time
Weather affects a building’s structure. Additionally, destruction during the post-war period eradicated many historical traces from numerous sites.
The existing buildings and outdoor areas need to be preserved, which is an expensive undertaking. Their deterioration should be prevented or at least slowed down. Such interventions, however, also alter a place.
In the case of structural restorations, it should be obvious which parts of the historical building have been preserved and which parts have been added. This ensures that originality remains verifiable and counters accusations of forgery.
The existing buildings and outdoor areas need to be preserved, which is an expensive undertaking. Their deterioration should be prevented or at least slowed down. Such interventions, however, also alter a place.
In the case of structural restorations, it should be obvious which parts of the historical building have been preserved and which parts have been added. This ensures that originality remains verifiable and counters accusations of forgery.
Historical understanding
At sites with structural traces of the past, history can be seen, felt, explored and thus perceptibly experienced. The historical location creates a spatial proximity despite the increase in temporal distance to past acts.
It is not possible to relive the past, nor is this the intention of memorial museums.
Rather, these historical places are meant to motivate visitors to consider what happened in the past through various approaches that increase their accessibility. The history of the historical sites must be explained and animated through exhibitions and educational programs and offerings.
It is not possible to relive the past, nor is this the intention of memorial museums.
Rather, these historical places are meant to motivate visitors to consider what happened in the past through various approaches that increase their accessibility. The history of the historical sites must be explained and animated through exhibitions and educational programs and offerings.
Development and overbuilding
Development and overbuilding of a site
The installation of a memorial or even just a column or stela at a historical site constitutes a development or overbuilding, as it permanently changes it.
Such developments and overbuilding are often coupled with other uses of a site.
The further development of a place alters its historical conditions, obscuring its original use.
Such developments and overbuilding are often coupled with other uses of a site.
The further development of a place alters its historical conditions, obscuring its original use.
Development and overbuilding
Sites of Nazi crimes often were used for other purposes and developed or overbuilt to accommodate these new uses. Part of the former Dachau concentration camp, for example, was used to house refugees.
In such situations, buildings were demolished or converted for subsequent use. The state made no attempt to preserve these sites immediately after liberation, nor to remember or commemorate what had happened at them.
In such situations, buildings were demolished or converted for subsequent use. The state made no attempt to preserve these sites immediately after liberation, nor to remember or commemorate what had happened at them.
Vast emptiness
A demolition can also create a void that leaves room for interpretation. In Dachau, Sachsenhausen and Ravensbrück, for example, vast empty spaces were deliberately created on the sites of the former prisoner barracks.
In the case of Dachau, the memorial was supplemented by the reconstruction of two barracks in the 1960s. Behind the barracks, however, a large empty space extends to the chapels at the end of the former prisoner camp. This space is only disrupted by an avenue of trees.
The demolition of a site also clearly demonstrates the shifts and changes to which these places are constantly exposed.
In the case of Dachau, the memorial was supplemented by the reconstruction of two barracks in the 1960s. Behind the barracks, however, a large empty space extends to the chapels at the end of the former prisoner camp. This space is only disrupted by an avenue of trees.
The demolition of a site also clearly demonstrates the shifts and changes to which these places are constantly exposed.
Additional use
Before/after view
Additional usedirectly after 1945
After 1945, other uses of such sites often eradicated the memory of the crimes committed at them.
Because of their structural characteristics, former concentration camps were also used as prisons or detention centres after 1945. This included the Neuengamme concentration camp near Hamburg, which was initially used as an internment camp for prisoners of war of the British army and former Nazi functionaries. A prison was set up later on parts of the site.
Because of their structural characteristics, former concentration camps were also used as prisons or detention centres after 1945. This included the Neuengamme concentration camp near Hamburg, which was initially used as an internment camp for prisoners of war of the British army and former Nazi functionaries. A prison was set up later on parts of the site.
Commercial use
The example of Fort Oberer Kuhberg near Ulm, a former concentration camp, demonstrates how sites of Nazi crimes were later also used for civil and commercial purposes.
In the post-war period, individual parts of the fort served as an auto repair shop and as a warehouse for a beverage company. The building in which the camp headquarters was located was even converted into a restaurant called “Zum Hochsträß.”
In 1960, at the insistence of the former prisoners, the first commemorative plaque was mounted at this early concentration camp. Since the early 1970s, the historical site has been used and continually restored by two associations as a concentration camp memorial and fortress museum.
In the post-war period, individual parts of the fort served as an auto repair shop and as a warehouse for a beverage company. The building in which the camp headquarters was located was even converted into a restaurant called “Zum Hochsträß.”
In 1960, at the insistence of the former prisoners, the first commemorative plaque was mounted at this early concentration camp. Since the early 1970s, the historical site has been used and continually restored by two associations as a concentration camp memorial and fortress museum.
Parallel use as a memorial
Another kind of use is the parallel use of such sites. One example of this is Wewelsburg near Paderborn.
The 17th century renaissance castle was used by the SS during the Nazi period. Today it serves as both a district museum - with references to the Middle Ages and modern times - as well as a contemporary concentration camp memorial museum with an informative exhibition.
Additionally, in the former Niederhagen concentration camp near Wewelsburg, after 1945 refugees were quartered in the former camp barracks as well as in the houses of the SS housing estate and the SS guest house.
The 17th century renaissance castle was used by the SS during the Nazi period. Today it serves as both a district museum - with references to the Middle Ages and modern times - as well as a contemporary concentration camp memorial museum with an informative exhibition.
Additionally, in the former Niederhagen concentration camp near Wewelsburg, after 1945 refugees were quartered in the former camp barracks as well as in the houses of the SS housing estate and the SS guest house.
Rediscovery and redesign
Rediscovery and redesign
For years and even decades, many historical sites of Nazi crimes have been forgotten or their history has been suppressed. Thus, they had to be recalled into the collective memory.
Historiography, the post-war generation and their view on the german history have also contributed to the shifts in the perception of historical places.
Historiography, the post-war generation and their view on the german history have also contributed to the shifts in the perception of historical places.
“Rediscovery of the site“ - The Topography of Terror
The “Topography of Terror” is an unusual example of how a historical place can be forgotten and then revived.
The buildings of the SS, the Gestapo (the secret state police) and the Reich Security Main Office in Berlin, located directly on the Soviet-American sector border - later the inner-German border - were blown up and demolished after 1945, and the site was subsequently levelled.
It was not until the end of the 1970s that the site became a place of public interest.
Today the Documentation Centre and the Topography of Terror Foundation are located here.
The buildings of the SS, the Gestapo (the secret state police) and the Reich Security Main Office in Berlin, located directly on the Soviet-American sector border - later the inner-German border - were blown up and demolished after 1945, and the site was subsequently levelled.
It was not until the end of the 1970s that the site became a place of public interest.
Today the Documentation Centre and the Topography of Terror Foundation are located here.
The historical site
The Prussian Secret State Police Office was located on Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse in the centre of Berlin as of spring 1933.
Over the years, other headquarters of the Nazi terror apparatus moved into the historic buildings on the site.
Over the years, other headquarters of the Nazi terror apparatus moved into the historic buildings on the site.
After 1945: Repression
After the war, the historical importance of the site was increasingly forgotten. The Berlin Wall ran along the northern edge of the site beginning in 1961. The site - located in the heart of Berlin - stood on the border of the western world.
After decades of unauthorized use of the site, in the 1970s initial discussions began about the fact that up to 15,000 people had been imprisoned in the Gestapo’s “house prison” located there.
After decades of unauthorized use of the site, in the 1970s initial discussions began about the fact that up to 15,000 people had been imprisoned in the Gestapo’s “house prison” located there.
Establishment of the memorial and foundation
The provisional arrangement developed into a permanent foundation under public law, which—after much deliberation—was provided with a new building in 2010.
The permanent exhibition “Topography of Terror. Gestapo, SS and Reich Security Main Office in Wilhelm- and Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse” is presented in this building, which also houses a temporary exhibition area, seminar rooms, a library and offices.
The permanent exhibition “Topography of Terror. Gestapo, SS and Reich Security Main Office in Wilhelm- and Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse” is presented in this building, which also houses a temporary exhibition area, seminar rooms, a library and offices.
“New concept for the site“ - the Feldscheune Isenschnibbe Gardelegen memorial
The decades-old Feldscheune Isenschnibbe Gardelegen memorial is a striking example of the content and functional redesign of a historical site in the GDR and unified Germany.
Der historische Ort: Feldscheune Isenschnibbe
At the end of the war, the concentration camps were evacuated before the arrival of the approaching front.
A death march including more than 1,000 concentration camp prisoners reached the Isenschnibber field barn on 13 April 1945 on the outskirts of Gardelegen. The SS locked the people in the building and set it on fire. These victims died in the flames or were shot trying to escape from the surrounding building. Of the 1016 victims, only 305 have been identified.
American troops ordered the local population to build a cemetery to honour those who had been murdered at the site and to maintain it in perpetuity.
A death march including more than 1,000 concentration camp prisoners reached the Isenschnibber field barn on 13 April 1945 on the outskirts of Gardelegen. The SS locked the people in the building and set it on fire. These victims died in the flames or were shot trying to escape from the surrounding building. Of the 1016 victims, only 305 have been identified.
American troops ordered the local population to build a cemetery to honour those who had been murdered at the site and to maintain it in perpetuity.
Anti-fascist culture of remembrance in the GDR
In addition to the cemetery of honour, a municipal memorial and memorial site was established at the historical site of Nazi crimes in 1949 on the initiative of the SED. The structural remains of the field barn were repurposed to create a memorial wall.
The appearance of the site was fundamentally altered in the following decades in accordance with the ideology of state-mandated anti-fascism and used for mass rallies.
Nevertheless, there was still room for individual and civilian commemoration.
The appearance of the site was fundamentally altered in the following decades in accordance with the ideology of state-mandated anti-fascism and used for mass rallies.
Nevertheless, there was still room for individual and civilian commemoration.
New conception as a modern documentation centre
After reunification, the memorial initially remained property of the municipality. In 2015 it passed into the sponsorship of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, which sponsored the construction of a documentation centre.
In 2020, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the new permanent exhibition in the completed building, which also includes seminar rooms for educational work, temporary exhibitions and events.
As part of the Sachsen-Anhalt Memorial Museums Foundation, the site is an example of the history of the Nazi death march and final phase of Nazi crimes.
In 2020, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the new permanent exhibition in the completed building, which also includes seminar rooms for educational work, temporary exhibitions and events.
As part of the Sachsen-Anhalt Memorial Museums Foundation, the site is an example of the history of the Nazi death march and final phase of Nazi crimes.
The participation of federal, state and local authorities
The participation of federal, state and local authorities
Larger memorial museums are financed by the Federal Republic of Germany and the respective federal state.
Smaller institutions rely on several sources for funding. Their existence is assured if they receive regular donations from the respective federal state and other sponsors. Funding often comes from different donors. Counties, cities, associations and organizations participate financially, as do private donors.
If they wish to conduct special projects, all memorial museums must raise additional funds.
There is insufficient funding for memorial sites that were founded by civil society, which are essentially operated on a voluntary basis. Such memorial museums depend on project sponsorships and donations.
Smaller institutions rely on several sources for funding. Their existence is assured if they receive regular donations from the respective federal state and other sponsors. Funding often comes from different donors. Counties, cities, associations and organizations participate financially, as do private donors.
If they wish to conduct special projects, all memorial museums must raise additional funds.
There is insufficient funding for memorial sites that were founded by civil society, which are essentially operated on a voluntary basis. Such memorial museums depend on project sponsorships and donations.
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Entry in the visitor book of the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial near Hamburg
Entry in the visitor book of the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial near Munich
Entry in the visitor book of documentation centre Oberer Kuhberg e.V. - Concentration camp Memorial near Ulm
Entry in the visitor book of former synagoge Laufersweiler near Trier
Entry in the visitor book of Feldscheune Isenschnibbe Gardelegen memorial near Wolfsburg
Entry in the visitor book of the Topography of Terror documentation center in Berlin
Entry in the visitor book of Breitenau memorial near Kassel
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Development and overbuilding
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Rediscovery and redesign
“Rediscovery of the site“ - The Topography of Terror
The historical site
After 1945: Repression
Slow restoration
Establishment of the memorial and foundation
“New concept for the site“ - the Feldscheune Isenschnibbe Gardelegen memorial
Der historische Ort: Feldscheune Isenschnibbe
Anti-fascist culture of remembrance in the GDR
New conception as a modern documentation centre
The participation of federal, state and local authorities