More The seminar was held in Weimar at the Buchenwald Memorial – a site that once housed one of Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camps. Students explored the camp’s history and examined modern approaches to preserving the memory of past tragedies. Guided tours through the museum’s exhibitions offered insights into how the memorial’s purpose has shifted over time – from an ideological tool during the GDR era to a modern educational center.
Particular focus was given to the post-1945 period when the site was repurposed as Soviet Special Camp No. 2 for German internees. Visiting the exhibition about the Soviet camp sparked lively discussions about historical interpretations and their relevance to contemporary society. Participants reflected on how mass crimes of the past shape collective memory across nations and how political narratives influence this process.
The seminar underscored the importance of critically analyzing history and preserving the memory of tragedies to prevent them from recurring. Collaborative group work with Polish and German peers encouraged participants to view events from multiple perspectives and recognize that the same historical facts can be perceived differently depending on national contexts.
