Cecilia Badano

Guide Training 2024: “Storytelling about WWII Resistance in the context of Nazi memorials”, Austria, 1-3 February

Posted on by Cecilia Badano

The LRE Foundation, in collaboration with the Mauthausen, Gusen Memorials and the Austrian Documentation Center is inviting guides, educators and cultural heritage professionals to its upcoming LRE Guide Training, which will be held from the 1st to the 3rd of February. This year’s training theme is “Storytelling about WWII Resistance in the context of Nazi memorials”.

The program for this year’s training is designed to equip participants with the most effective methods and techniques for conveying knowledge about the WWII resistance movements, with a special emphasis on engaging a younger audience. Through workshops, discussions, and practical exercises, participants will explore specific educational solutions implemented by the partners at their respective sites. Attendees will gain insight into the experiences of the Mauthausen and Gusen Memorials in creating new remembrance sites as well as the educators’ work in the context of disseminating WWII events awareness at the Austrian Documentation Centre in Vienna. The training will be enriched by guided tours of the memorial sites.

This event is part of the “Resistance Through Their EYES” project initiated by the LRE Foundation with the support of several international project partners and supported by the European Union. Partial financial coverage for participant access to the training is provided through the funding.

The training participation entails two levels: Basic and Advanced. The following breakdown outlines the associated costs for each level of participation:

Basic Level – 250 EUR:

  • Access to the content of the two-day event (Day 1-2)
  • 1 night stay in Linz
  • Transportation from Mauthausen to Linz and from Linz to Gusen (as a group)
  • Coffee breaks and lunches during the two workshop days (provided at the Mauthausen Memorial)
  • Dinner in Linz

    – Excluding travel arrangements and transport to Mauthausen on the first day

Advanced Level – 300 EUR: 

  • Access to the content of the three-day event (Day 1-3)
  • 2 nights stay (Linz & Vienna)
  • Transportation from Mauthausen to Linz and from Linz to Gusen (as a group)
  • Transportation from Mauthausen to Vienna on the second day
  • Coffee breaks and lunches during all workshop days (including goodbye lunch in Vienna)
  • Dinner in Linz

    – Excluding travel arrangements and transport to Mauthausen on the first day

If you or any of your colleagues are interested in attending the LRE Guide Training, please send an email to Joël Stoppels – j.stoppels@liberationroute.com by 24 January 2024.

The LRE Foundation looks forward to your participation and making this workshop a valuable and enriching experience for everyone involved!

79th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge – Youth and Press Event in Bastogne launches New Vectors, Themed Routes, and Podcast series 

Posted on by Cecilia Badano

On December 15, 2023, the historic town of Bastogne hosted the Liberation Route Europe Youth Event as part of the Nuts Weekend, commemorating the 79th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Organized by the LRE Foundation, the Bastogne War Museum, the Bastogne Memorial Association, and the City of Bastogne, the event marked the launch of new initiatives related to the Liberation Route Europe project in the Wallonia region, which were made possible thanks to the support of the U.S. Embassy in Belgium. 

The expansion of the project aims to highlight the historical significance of the region, paying tribute to the pivotal role of the U.S. Army in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of the area. Walking along several new routes, which vary in size and theme, visitors get the chance to witness the most significant locations and stories in and around Bastogne, following the footsteps of U.S. troops.  Additionally, many new Floor Vectors have been installed, along with two Wall Vectors in Mons and Leopoldsburg, and three in Bastogne. The Vectors of Memory mark out some of the key historical sites in Belgium.

More than 100 students from Henallux College and numerous press representatives actively participated in the event at the Bastogne War Museum and Bastogne City Hall. Attendees had the opportunity to explore new Liberation Route itineraries and historical content thanks to guided walking tours along the Liberation Route trails in Bastogne. The tours led past numerous newly installed Vectors along the route, including the three sites where the new Wall Vectors were officially unveiled: the Bastogne Barracks, the 101st Airborne Museum, and Bastogne City Hall.

At the last of these locations, the City Hall Vector was unveiled in the presence of Mr. Michael M. Adler, U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, Benoît Lutgen, Mayor of Bastogne and Rémi Praud, LRE Foundation Managing Director, following a ceremony at the Bastogne City Hall. This ceremony wrapped up the day and marked the official launch of the new Liberation Route Europe Podcast “In the Footsteps of History”, which provides an audio dimension to the historical journey. Through vivid soundtracks and a collection of stories and interviews, the first episodes of this podcast series enable visitors of the Liberation Route to immerse themselves in the profound history of the area. The day was made even more special by the presence of a US veteran and concluded with a reception and warm drinks providing an opportunity for reflection and further discussion.

“The Liberation Route Europe Youth Event in Bastogne exemplifies the collaborative efforts dedicated to expanding educational initiatives and commemorating historical events in Wallonia. The project’s expansion now stands as a tribute to the sacrifices of the Battle of Bulge, inviting visitors to engage with and learn from the shared history of the region.”, says Rémi Praud, LREF Managing Director.

This initiative marks a significant stride in preserving and sharing the rich historical heritage of Bastogne, made possible through the collaborative efforts of the LRE Foundation, the Bastogne War Museum, the City of Bastogne and the support of the U.S. Embassy in Brussels.

“In the Footsteps of History “– The new podcast series of the Liberation Route Europe

Posted on by Cecilia Badano

We are delighted to finally release our latest Liberation Route Europe project initiative – the Podcast Series “In the Footsteps of History“. This new audio experience is designed to accompany listeners on their journey along the most fascinating and historically relevant landmarks on the Liberation Route, helping them immerse themselves in the WWII history of remembrance sites across Europe. 

Together with the French audio production company natif. and thanks to the contributions and support of the LRE network, we have created a new format for historical reflection and learning. The podcast uses a lively soundtrack to illustrate the wartime experience in various forms. From the sofa or on location, the podcast allows listeners to immerse themselves in the rich WWII history around us. The podcast is designed to be a companion for those hiking or biking along the trails and actively exploring the remembrance sites and as a documentary for those who want to experience it from the comfort of their homes.

In the first five episodes of the series, listeners are transported to Bastogne and some of its numerous Second World War sites, where they are immersed in the conflict through conversations with historians, eyewitnesses and through the extracts of stories and letters from people who lived through that time.

Hosted by the British journalist Rich Woodruff, the Bastogne series takes listeners on a historical journey through time. Along the way, the experience is enriched by interviews with Peter Schrijvers, Historian and curator of the Liberation Garden Museum in Leopoldsburg, Mathieu Billa, Director of the Bastogne War Museum, and Henry Mignon, an eyewitness of the battle. Additionally, the podcast includes the story of a German soldier and the nurse Renée Lemaire, offering a diverse engagement with the events in Bastogne from different perspectives.

We’re happy to welcome this new addition to our Liberation Route Europe project and look forward to seeing it grow, covering more stories and remembrance sites across Europe.

If you want to dive into the podcast, you can find the first episodes on the major streaming platforms.

Read more about the project and how to get involved at www.lre-foundation.org/podcast 

“When Memory Meets Dialogue”: The LRE Foundation’s memory project conference at the EDJC 2023 

Posted on by Cecilia Badano

On December 11-12, the LRE Foundation is organizing a memory project conference titled “When Memory Meets Dialogue – Role of Remembrance Sites and Contemporary Challenges” in Krakow, Poland. This event, in partnership with Oscar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, a branch of the Museum of Krakow, is part of the EU-funded European Days of Jewish Culture (EDJC) 2023. 

 Originating over two decades ago in the Alsace-Lorraine region, the European Days of Jewish Culture began as a small transnational initiative. Its purpose was to shed light on European Jewish heritage, fostering awareness among local audiences. Today, the event has evolved into a continent-wide celebration showcasing the diversity and richness of Judaism. Through conferences, concerts, performances, guided tours, and various activities, the EDJC promotes dialogue, recognition, and exchange on a European scale.  

Embedded within the EDJC 2023, the LRE Foundation proudly presents the two-day project conference “When Memory meets Dialogue.” The conference agenda encompasses diverse sessions focusing on Jewish and WWII heritage. Discussions will revolve around memory transmission and the contemporary significance of remembrance sites. The primary goal is to offer a meaningful platform for idea exchange, nurture cross-cultural understanding, and stimulate international discourse on historical memory and contemporary challenges. As part of the programme, participants can also explore guided tours and historical city walks in Krakow. 

This event will bring together significant experts and representatives from cultural institutions across Europe to ensure various perspectives and a comprehensive and enriching exploration of the conference themes. The conference has free entrance upon registration. Only after completing the registration process will attendees be able to attend the conference. Registration and more information about the program are available here.

The LRE Foundation’s contribution to the EDJC 2023 extends beyond the memory project conference in Krakow. In January 2024, we will launch the virtual exhibition “We Remember: A Virtual Exhibition on the Liberation of the Concentration Camps.” Stay tuned for more information. 

EUROM and the LRE Foundation sign a Memorandum of Understanding to kick off their collaboration

Posted on by Cecilia Badano

The European Observatory on Memories (“EUROM”) and the LRE Foundation are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both institutions share the same mission of raising awareness of the history and memory of the Second World War. Therefore, this partnership establishes the foundation for future collaborations aimed at achieving their common goals, including new projects, events, and awareness campaigns, while helping both parties to expand their networks.

Led by the University of Barcelona Solidarity Foundation since 2012, EUROM works as a transnational network of institutions and organisations committed to the analysis and promotion of public policies of memory. With a reflective view of the history of Europe and the past struggle for freedom and democracy, EUROM wants to contribute to more plurality, solidarity, tolerance and inclusion in our society.

The LRE Foundation, as well as EUROM, commits to preserving the cultural heritage related to the Second World War with its growing international network of people and organisations dedicated to remembrance and a vast array of projects and events designed to ensure that the memory endures. 

“The EUROM and the LRE Foundation are embarking on an invaluable collaboration that holds the promise of not only enhancing and broadening the reach of both our networks, but also nurturing a dynamic exchange of experiences. By uniting our efforts, we aspire to create a diverse, inclusive, and globally connected community where younger generations actively participate in preserving and promoting historical memory and its solidarity values”, highlights Jordi Guixé, Director of the EUROM.

“Through our partnership with EUROM, we have the valuable opportunity to connect and reinforce diverse networks, tap into precious research expertise in memory analysis, and gain insights from their work on various conflicts beyond the Second World War. EUROM’s successful projects, including training and events, serve as best practices, inspiring us to collaborate on initiatives that preserve and promote our shared history,” says Rémi Praud, Managing Director of the LRE Foundation.

The LRE Foundation will attend the Cycle Summit 2023 

Posted on by Cecilia Badano

The LRE Foundation continues the important work of promoting its network’s initiatives and the Liberation Route Europe project. The Cycle Summit, which will take place from October 9-10 in Riolo Terme, Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is the next scheduled event. Our Project Officer, Emme Johnson, will attend the event. 

The Cycle Summit, an important international travel trade conference centred on cycling tourism, has been a consistent forum for the LRE Foundation in recent years. Emme’s agenda during the summit includes meetings with tour operators to raise awareness of the Liberation Route Europe hiking and cycling trails project across the continent. The goal is to encourage tour operators to incorporate the Liberation Route into their travel offerings. 

Cooperation with the travel trade sector is key for Liberation Route Europe, which works with international partners to make European history more visible and accessible to travellers from all over the world. The emphasis on cycling and hiking tour operators is critical for combining Liberation Route Europe with innovative and sustainable tourism products and special offers, as well as promoting the route among cycling enthusiasts and visitors seeking a combination of outdoor, cultural, and historical experiences. 

This year’s Cycle Summit, following the previous edition in Chambery, France, boasts the participation of 147 individuals, representing over 100 tour operators from 29 countries worldwide. 

Following two days of in-person networking meetings, Emme will join the FAM trip to explore the picturesque areas of Faenza-Brisighella-Ravenna on foot and by bike, alongside other representatives from the travel trade sector. 

The first ‘Persecution Through Their Eyes’ youth event took place in Camp Vught National Memorial on June 16

Posted on by Cecilia Badano

On June 16, the first of four Persecution Through Their Eyes youth events was held with great success in Camp Vught National Memorial. Animations made by students of the St. Joost School of Art & Design were shown, and participants visited the impactful ‘Persecution Through Their Eyes’ exhibition, immersing themselves in the stories  of individuals whose lives were linked to acts of persecution during the Second World War.

Persecution Through Their Eyes is a European Union-funded project that aims to broaden a multi-perspective, transnational understanding of Nazi persecution by shedding light on the diverse experiences of its victims and perpetrators. Among the victims are Jews, Roma/Sinti, political prisoners, homosexuals, prisoners of war, civilians, and resistance fighters.

The project is organised by the LRE Foundation with some prominent project partners: Camp Vught National Memorial (Netherlands), Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorials Foundation (Germany), the National Peace Park of Sant’Anna di Stazzema (Italy), and Grodzka Gate –  NN Theatre Centre in Lublin (Poland).

The inaugural youth event provided students with an opportunity to delve into the permanent exhibition of the Camp Vught National Memorial and gain deeper insights into the camp’s history. The event’s key moments were the unveiling of the Persecution Through Their Eyes exhibition and the screening of short films created by the students to animate the stories included in the exhibition. The audience was captivated by the diverse approaches employed by students in the development and storytelling process.

The animations that emerged from this project not only enrich the exhibition panels but also enhance the visitor experience by providing an additional means to grasp the gravity of such stories and historical facts.  The exhibition, along with the accompanying animations, can now be viewed by the public at Barracks 1B, which is located 500 meters away from the main building of the Camp Vught memorial.

The Persecution Through Their Eyes project will continue to empower and inspire young people with upcoming youth events organised by the other project partners in Germany, Italy and Poland.

LRE Foundation signs Memorandums of Understanding with Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum and Lincolnshire Ramblers (UK)

Posted on by Cecilia Badano

As the LRE UK national branch continues to grow, we are pleased to welcome two new partners: Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum and Lincolnshire Ramblers! Both organisations are based in Lincolnshire, where we are developing a new section of the Liberation Route Europe Trails highlighting the county’s rich Second World War aviation history. 

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum is a superb location to learn about the history of RAF Cranwell, a nearby Royal Air Force base which played a key role during the War. With aircraft to view, a simulator, and many artefacts and exhibits, the museum offers an engaging way to learn about aviation history. The first step in our collaboration will be the integration of the museum into the Liberation Route Europe Trails network, which will pass through the village of Cranwell, signposting visitors to the museum. 

“As an area very much at the heart of the mission to liberate Europe through airborne operations, I am very proud and pleased that the District will be a part of this Europe-wide project to remember the past, to create a better future.”, says Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council which operates Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum. “Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum acts as a focal point for North Kesteven’s rich aviation heritage and celebrates more than a century of training at the adjacent RAF College Cranwell of many prestigious airmen who were very much a part of that liberation journey. The museum is a very proud partner in this exciting project. With Cranwell at its south, the International Bomber Command Centre at the north and an extensive trail of historic and still-operational airfields in between – many of them Bomber Command bases in support of the Liberation advance – the extent of North Kesteven’s aviation heritage is unsurpassed.”  

Lincolnshire Area Ramblers, part of The Ramblers, a UK national walking and campaigning charity, are an invaluable partner in the development of the Lincolnshire Liberation Route. Their support and expertise in connecting local sites of interest via the best hiking trails are hugely appreciated, given the county’s vast network of trails and roads. Thanks to their local knowledge, walkers will be able to explore the local Second World War history as they pass through the wonderful Lincolnshire countryside. 

“Lincolnshire Ramblers are proud to be a partner with the LRE Foundation. Lincolnshire has many locations with connections to the Second World War conflict and the newly-devised trail will link many of these, bringing to life the realities of the war. It will also give visitors the opportunity to explore the delights of Lincolnshire, with its golden beaches, beautiful countryside and attractive market towns.” – Geoff Mullett, Chair of Lincolnshire Ramblers. 

The new Europe Remembers event registration platform is online!

Posted on by Cecilia Badano

We are excited to announce the launch of the new Europe Remembers collaborative web platform aimed to bring together a diverse range of events and commemorations linked to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. With a user-friendly interface and streamlined process, event organisers can now easily upload their event details to the platform for them to be displayed and promoted on the Europe Remembers website.

Europe Remembers returns with a brand-new website and communication campaign to raise awareness around the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, remembering the lessons it imparted and promoting the many commemorations and events organised around Europe. Building on the success of the previous edition for the 75th anniversary, the campaign will kick off in July 2023, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Landings in Sicily. From there, Europe Remembers will continue throughout 2024 and 2025, when commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the end of the war will take place.

The Europe Remembers collaborative website, which will be launched in July, is one of the pillars of the initiative and aims to become a one-stop destination for the public to find information about the events that will take place across Europe, which might be hard to find juggling between various websites and different languages. In addition to offering an overview of commemorations and exhibitions, the website will also provide a wealth of inspiring content related to remembrance sites, stories, and news connected to WWII memory and cultural heritage.

The newly launched registration platform is a first step in the direction of building a collaborative and international community around the memory of WWII. The platform offers cultural organisations and institutions dedicated to this topic an easy way to add their events on the europeremembers.com website, where they will be made accessible to a wide international audience. In addition to basic visibility, project partners and campaign supporters will receive dedicated promotional tools, and their events will receive special promotional attention on the website.

To register your organisation and/or your events, click here.

If you would like to join us or organise your own Europe Remembers campaign, contact us at europe-remembers@lre-foundation.org. For more information, visit our website

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