“What’s the point of history… if we never learn?” Dialogue, Remembrance and Solidarity in Europe. New Challenges for Public History and Historical Education

This is accompanied by the awareness that individual local and national experiences still lead to tensions despite the foundation of shared European values. Heterogeneity in the culture of memory exists not only between European countries but also within them as different social groups represent divergent historical narratives. Diverse outlooks on the past shape the perception of the present and influence political actions across Europe.

The politics of memory of any given country is not always identical with the memory policy of civil society. Occasionally even the discourse about a common European past that began at the turn of the millennium, serving as the foundation of a European community able to act in unison, seems to be called into question. Given such diversity of experiences, is a common memory possible at all? Can national interests and international solidarity be reconciled? And last but not least: what challenges do European practices of remembrance and historical education face in the light of the migratory movements of recent years?

The Berlin event aims to showcase the diversity of perspectives that serve as a basis for discussing the current challenges for history teaching in public spaces and historical education. During the forum, we wish to focus on a shared conversation about the past and its importance for seeking the truth, peace, democracy, freedom and tolerance, as well as for a remembrance that respects differences, looks for connections and strengthens understanding and solidarity in Europe.

The forum will be attended by politicians and representatives of cultural educational institutions, as well as actors in the field of historical and political education.

Admission is free. Please find the full program via this link.