October 2024 – LRE Foundation

The LRE Foundation is proud to announce three new EU-Funded Projects

Posted on October 28, 2024November 27, 2024 by Cecilia Badano

We are thrilled to announce the launch of three new projects funded by the European Union, which will start later this autumn. The projects, developed jointly with several partners throughout Europe, will explore Second World War remembrance in the contexts of sustainable travel, art, and technology. All of them are funded by the European Commission’s Creative Europe programme, which strengthens the EU’s cultural sector every year by supporting diverse initiatives.

While the projects will come to life in the following months, here is an overview of their mission and composition.

Preserving the Past, Securing the Future: A Sustainable Approach to Cultural and Remembrance Heritage
This project aims to provide Second World War remembrance professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to adopt sustainable practices. As part of this initiative, we will organise capacity-building workshops to explore topics such as responsible tourism, sustainable development goals, and sustainable policies, practices and marketing strategies. Together with our project partners, we will also coordinate study visits, networking events and e-learning opportunities to encourage knowledge sharing and skills development. Key partners for this project include Mascontour (Germany), Campus Foundation (Italy), and the Juno Beach Centre (France).

Art of Remembrance
This project, developed in collaboration with Tempora (Belgium), the City of Bastogne (Belgium), La Coupole Museum (France), the Nuto Revelli Foundation (Italy), and the Sybir Memorial Museum (Poland), aims to bridge the gap between history and contemporary art. The initiative seeks to establish artist residencies at Second World War remembrance sites across Europe, offering a unique space for artists to engage with history through their creative process. Alongside the residencies, workshops and seminars will be organised, actively involving local communities in the artistic journey, aiming to bridge the gap between history and contemporary art. The resulting artwork will be showcased in travelling exhibitions, ensuring that the project’s outcomes reach a wide audience. These efforts will be further supported by an ambitious communication strategy, including publications and online platforms designed to make this work accessible.

AI Remembers
Through this project and together with project partners KERN IT (Belgium) and the University of Caen Normandy (France), we will aim to integrate artificial intelligence into the preservation and interpretation of Second World War heritage, exploring how modern tools and technologies can enhance the presentation of historical content. We will use the Liberation Route Europe (LRE), a Cultural Route certified by the Council of Europe, as a test case to implement and evaluate these technologies.

A central focus of the initiative is developing an ethical framework for the responsible use of AI in cultural heritage, ensuring that these innovations are applied with care and integrity. The project’s findings will be shared through workshops and collaborative events, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange. Additionally, a comprehensive communication strategy will be implemented to ensure the results are widely disseminated to partners and the broader public.

The LRE Foundation is proud to collaborate with many esteemed institutions across Europe to bring history to life in ways that engage and resonate with modern audiences. We are equally honoured by the trust and support of the European Commission, which recognizes the value and importance of these projects for European WWII remembrance. A unique aspect of these initiatives is the opportunity they offer the entire LREF network: through a series of events and workshops, we will share insights and resources with other institutions across Europe.

LRE Foundation Welcomes New Supervisory Board Member Blandine Smilansky

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

On October 22, the LRE Foundation Supervisory Board gathered for an online meeting, including the welcoming of its newest member, Blandine Smilansky. With an extensive background in promoting European history and cultural heritage, she brings a wealth of experience that aligns closely with the mission of the LRE Foundation.

Since 2015, Blandine Smilansky has been working at the House of European History, where she serves as the Head of Communications and Partnerships. Before stepping into this role, she was part of the Learning Department, where she developed and led various cultural programs. Her experience is further enriched by her years at EUROCLIO, the European Association of History Educators, where she managed pan-European projects focused on innovative approaches to history, heritage, and citizenship education. With a strong academic background in history and cultural management from France, she brings valuable insights to the Foundation’s mission of connecting people and places through Europe’s shared heritage.

Upon joining the board, the Blandine Smilanski shared her thoughts: “Reflecting on Europe’s past from a variety of perspectives is what both the House of European History and the LRE Foundation are encouraging through their work. I am therefore very happy to represent the museum in the LRE Supervisory Board and contribute to making history and heritage something that connects people across borders.”

Ed Kronenburg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, warmly welcomed Blandine Smilansky: “We are delighted to welcome Blandine Smilansky to our Supervisory Board. Her extensive experience in promoting European history, as well as her leadership at the House of European History, will bring fresh and dynamic perspectives to the LRE Foundation. Blandine’s commitment to cross-border cooperation and fostering a multi-perspective approach aligns perfectly with our mission. We are confident her contributions will enrich our efforts to connect people and places through the shared heritage of Europe’s past.”

The LRE Foundation’s International Supervisory Board’s role is to oversee the organization’s management, activities, and finances, ensuring that its work continues to promote and preserve Europe’s collective memory and heritage.

Eight Years of Dedication: A Farewell Interview to LREF Supervisory Board Member Heleen Huisjes

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

As Heleen Huisjes prepares to step down from her role on the Supervisory Board of the LRE Foundation after her second mandate, she looks back on the organisation’s evolution from its regional beginnings to a European network. Throughout her time, Huisjes has played a crucial role in supporting the foundation’s mission of raising awareness about World War II. In this interview, she discusses the achievements she’s most proud of, memorable moments, and her hopes for the future of the LRE Foundation.

Could you share a brief overview of your journey with the LRE Foundation, including how you first got involved and the roles you’ve held over the years?

It’s been eight years since I joined the Supervisory Board of the LRE Foundation. My involvement began around the time LRE was founded in the Netherlands, thanks to our colleagues in Gelderland. But the province I work for, Brabant, was also involved from the very beginning, even before I personally joined. That’s how I initially became part of the Supervisory Board. Beyond that, the mission of LRE strongly resonated with me personally, so I was glad to be asked to be part of this reality.

Even as LRE evolved into an international organisation with an office in Brussels, we felt a strong desire to stay involved because the subject is so important. In Brabant, we are committed to participating in projects, carrying on the message, and helping to develop the LRE routes.

Now that my mandate is over, I would still like to give my contribution and support the Foundation in different ways.

You’ve witnessed a lot of growth and change at the LRE Foundation over the years. Can you reflect on some of the achievements that make you most proud?

Let’s be very clear: the credit for these achievements goes to the LRE organization itself. With Rémi Praud as Managing Director, his predecessor Victoria van Krieken, and Jurriaan de Mol, who played a significant role, the entire team worked incredibly hard and with so much passion to make it all a success. I’m extremely proud of the team and what they’ve accomplished. The board, in my view, has a supportive role, ensuring things stay on track in terms of governance and finance.

One thing that stands out to me is the impressive growth of LRE from a smaller regional organization to a European network with satellite offices in five different countries. This expansion was a necessary step to truly establish LRE as a European presence. Other achievements that have made me proud over the years include the partnerships with Rough Guides a few years ago and the introduction of the Vectors of Memory by Daniel Libeskind as they both show the team’s commitment to maintaining high standards and making the route accessible to a wide audience.

Are there any particularly memorable moments or experiences from your board service that stand out to you?

I have particularly good memories of LRE Forums. I have very good memories of the one in Florence which was excellently organised and left me with many fond memories. Last year in Aachen the speakers were outstanding, especially Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich. She kept the whole audience on the edge of their seats, and there was a profound silence afterward. I often think back to that moment. Her story was impressive, but what stood out was her ability to remain positive. That’s impressive and a message to all of us. The fact that the Liberation Route and all the regional initiatives strive to connect with contemporary issues is both impressive and challenging.

How have you seen the LRE Foundation evolve and grow during your years of service? What do you believe sets the organization apart and makes it successful in achieving its mission?

The Foundation’s mission itself is crucial. It’s important that we emphasize historical facts and explain them, demonstrating the consequences of turning a blind eye or excluding people. This is particularly relevant today, as similar issues may be resurfacing. It’s vital to make these lessons meaningful for younger generations.

There are other organizations dealing with aspects of World War II and their work is valuable, but what I appreciate about the Liberation Route Europe is its comprehensive approach and holistic view, both in subject matter and methodology. The work of the Foundation is not just about education or preserving archives or building landmarks, it’s also about storytelling and building connections and routes.

Do you have any advice for your successor or something you’d like to say to the LRE Foundation network, board members, and supporters as you bid farewell?

I think the Foundation is already looking toward the future, so I believe you understand what’s at stake. Sometimes, I’m afraid it will become more difficult. I notice within my region that governments tend to change the ways in which they approach the remembrance of the Second World War. It’s a concern, but I also see interest because of the crises, conflicts, and polarization we experience right now in Europe. I’m certain that the Liberation Route has a crucial role to play there. The urgency and relevance of the organisation are clear from my perspective. I truly hope that other European stakeholders will recognize this urgency more and support the Foundation so that we can keep focusing on our mission. With growth and an international focus, I’m optimistic this is achievable. The future is promising, and it’s essential that younger generations understand what’s at stake.

Europe Remembers: from D-Day to Operation Market Garden

Posted on October 10, 2024October 10, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

Recent months have been eventful for our team as we commemorated the 80th anniversary of significant World War II milestones, including the Normandy landings and Operation Market Garden. Our team travelled to Normandy and the Netherlands to attend the commemorative events organised on this occasion and cover them for a wider audience. This work was part of our Europe Remembers campaign – a collaborative project aimed at raising awareness about the final years of the war and preserving stories about their witnesses.

In June, we travelled to Normandy to cover the commemorations of D-Day. From 5th to 7th June, we participated in several events, visited historical sites, and interviewed veterans and attendees. Key moments included the ceremony at Pegasus Bridge and visits to the British Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer and Pointe du Hoc. We also interviewed veterans such as Mervyn Kersh, who shared their valuable stories with the Europe Remembers audience.

This September, we travelled to the Netherlands for the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, one of the largest airborne assaults in history, which took place between 17th and 25th September 1944. Although it did not fully achieve its objectives of liberating the Netherlands from German occupation, the Allies succeeded in freeing several towns and many Dutch provinces still remember and celebrate such effort toward their liberation.

Between 13th and 18th September, we visited various historical sites and participated in many commemorative events. These included Mesch, in Limburg (where we attended the 80 Years of Freedom opening ceremony), Arnhem (where we attended the ceremony at John Frost Bridge), Ginkel Heath (where we saw a re-enactment of the parachute landings), and Nijmegen (where we attended the Waal Crossing re-enactment, commemorating the US soldiers who crossed the river in small boats, and the impressive and warmly participated Sunset March XXL).

Throughout this campaign, our Europe Remembers team focused on capturing and sharing personal stories and the lasting impact of Operation Market Garden. We were privileged to interview WWII veterans such as Jack Einstein and Dominic Citelli (who also played on his soprano saxophone for us).

The content we created, including reels and live updates, was shared across social media platforms allowing a wider audience to learn about these events even without leaving their homes. You can view all the materials we created to this date on our website and social media pages (Facebook & Instagram).

We are grateful to everyone who made this possible, especially our key partners in Region Normandy, Normandy Tourism, Provincie Gelderland, Provincie Noord-Brabant, Visit Brabant, Brabant Herinnert, Provincie Zeeland and vfonds.

As we reflect on our journey, we are now looking at the 80^th anniversary of other milestones such as the Battle of the Scheldt in Zeeland, the Battle of the Bulge, the International Holocaust Memorial Day in January, among others, until the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in May 2025.

A new Management Board for LRE France

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

Last September, the French members of the LRE network gathered for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of LRE France. During the meeting, 18 representatives from member sites and local institutions discussed the 2023 achievements, approved the 2024 budget, and elected a new Management Board to guide LRE France over the next four years.

Sabine Robert-Bierry, Director of the Mémorial Alsace-Moselle, has been elected President. She will work alongside Frédéric Sommier, Director of the Musée du Débarquement d’Arromanches, who has been appointed Vice-Chairman, and Philippe Queste, Director of La Coupole, Centre d’Histoire, who will serve as Treasurer.

“I’m honoured to take on the presidency of LRE France and to contribute to the development of the LRE network in France,” said Sabine Robert-Bierry. “Creating a network of actors involved in the Memory of the Second World War, exchanging best practices, drawing inspiration from the dynamism of the LRE while promoting Alsace and all our partners on a European scale are challenges I am eager to embrace.”

The new Management Board aims to raise the profile of LRE France and strengthen partnerships both within France and across Europe. Robert-Bierry and Sommier have already started discussions on the future strategy for the association during a visit to Arromanches, outlining plans to enhance LRE France’s visibility and collaboration efforts.

Isabelle Lebreton, LRE France Director, welcomed the election of the new board members: “I am delighted with the election of this new Management Board, which allows us to have relevant territorial representation and will undoubtedly be a new lever for the development of the French network and projects in France.“

The Active Remembrance Youth Programme takes off with a first exchange trip to the Netherlands and Belgium!

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Cecilia Badano

In July we were delighted to announce the launch of our Active Remembrance Youth Programme (ARYP), an EU-funded initiative to inspire young Europeans from diverse backgrounds to explore and commemorate World War II along the Liberation Route Europe. At the end of October, ARYP will officially launch with the first exchange trip in the Netherlands and Belgium, focusing on the history of the “Battle of the Scheldt”.

The trip will take place over 4 days, from 28 to 31 October, and will allow young participants to learn about the history of the area in an interactive way, visit some of the many LRE network sites along the way, and exchange perspectives with young people from different European countries. The programme provides an interactive experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning, actively involving participants in history through workshops, writing interviews, researching historical content and creating podcasts and videos. At the end of each trip, the content will contribute to an online exhibition, showcasing their work and presenting it to a wider audience.

The first trip will start in Breda with a guided visit to the Maczek Memorial, where participants will learn about Poland’s role in the Second World War. From here, the trip will continue to the Lommel War Cemetery in Belgium, where the next day will be spent learning about the soldiers buried there and continuing with interactive learning and content creation.

On the third day, the group will travel to the city of Antwerp for a visit to the MAS museum and a guided tour of the centre, which will highlight the city’s experience during the Second World War. On the last day, the group will travel to Mechelen, where the Kazerne Dossin, a former transit camp for Jewish and Romani people, is located and where the group will have time to explore the city.

Participants can find more information and register at the following link, and detailed eligibility criteria can be reviewed here. The majority of participation costs are generously covered with the European Union funding.

Plans for a new LRE Hiking Trail in Italy connect Sant’Anna di Stazzema and Monte Sole

Posted on October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by Cecilia Badano

A new Liberation Route Europe 180-kilometer hiking trail, the Cammino Sant’Anna di Stazzema – Monte Sole, aims to connect two of Italy’s most significant World War II memorial sites: Sant’Anna di Stazzema and Monte Sole. A feasibility study, initiated by LRE Italy and funded by Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, was recently completed.

The project was unveiled last week in Florence by Tuscany’s Regional Councillor Alessandra Nardini and Emilia-Romagna’s Regional Councillor Mauro Felicori, alongside LRE Italy President Raffaella Marianiand Director Carlo Puddu. This initiative is an important step towards combining history, nature, and slow tourism, offering an immersive experience in both remembrance and outdoor exploration.

The trail is set to be launched in 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Italy’s Liberation and the conclusion of World War II. This ambitious project brings together various LRE Italy members, including the ‘Parco della Pace di Sant’Anna di Stazzema’ (Peace Park of Sant’Anna di Stazzema) and the ‘Comitato per le Onoranze ai Caduti di Marzabotto’ (Committee for the Honoring of the Fallen of Marzabotto).

Both Sant’Anna di Stazzema and Monte Sole were sites of devastating massacres during WWII. In 1944, over 1100 civilians were executed by the same German SS unit, the 16th SS Division, with the support of fascist groups. Along the route, hikers will also pass through other locations that suffered similar wartime atrocities, including Bagni di Lucca, Piteglio, Grizzana, and Savignano, all of which witnessed horrific events during the summer of 1944. These areas, positioned along the historic Gothic Line, were sites of partisan activity, Nazi reprisals, Allied bombings, and multinational military presence.

The proposed route includes 11 stages, beginning in Pietrasanta and passing through several significant towns: Sant’Anna di Stazzema, Camaiore, Fiano, Borgo a Mozzano, Bagni di Lucca, and Vico Pancellorum. It then traverses the Pistoia Apennines, covering areas such as San Marcello Pistoiese-Piteglio, Sambuca Pistoiese, and Pracchia, before entering the Emilia-Romagna region via Porretta Terme. The final stages take visitors through Riola, Grizzana Morandi, Monte Sole, Marzabotto, and Monzuno.

Designed to be accessible for most hikers, the trail will feature accommodations and services at each stage, enhancing the journey with comfort while preserving the solemnity of these historical locations. Ultimately, this trail stands as a powerful reminder of the past while promoting sustainable tourism and a deeper connection to Italy’s rich heritage.