Viola Scalacci – LRE Foundation

LRE Conference 2025 – Resistance to Oblivion

Posted on February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 by Viola Scalacci

The LRE Conference 2025, titled Resistance to Oblivion – Preserving WWII Memories and Lessons for Future Generations, will take place on 11 March in Kraków, Poland. The event will bring together historians, museum professionals, memory activists and other exceptional speakers to explore how to keep the memory of World War II alive and relevant in today’s world. The conference is part of the Resistance Through Their Eyes project and is funded by the European Commission.

As we move further away from the events of World War II, the urgency to preserve its memories and lessons grows ever more critical. The passage of time naturally leads to the fading of personal recollections, and with each passing year, the number of survivors, eyewitnesses, and veterans who can share their firsthand experiences decreases. The LRE Conference 2025 seeks to confront this challenge head-on, investigating and proposing measures to ensure that these memories are not only preserved but actively integrated into our cultural and educational systems. Resistance to Oblivion is more than just a title, it’s a call to action. It invites all participants to engage deeply with the past, to understand its significance, and to work collectively towards ensuring that the lessons of WWII remain vivid and instructive for future generations.

The LRE Conference 2025 Programme:

The conference will open with remarks from Rémi Praud, Managing Director of the LRE Foundation, who will moderate the event, alongside Dr. Paweł Sękowski from the Jagiellonian University’s Institute of History. Together, they will introduce the key themes of the day: the preservation of WWII memory, the evolving role of historical narratives, and the impact of contemporary conflicts on our understanding of the past.

The keynote speech, Layers of Memory—World War II and Contemporary Conflicts, will be delivered by Yuriy Savchuk, Director of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. His address will examine the ways in which WWII memory interacts with current conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, and how war documentation shapes historical narratives for future generations.

A central part of the conference will be the panel discussion Memory in a Challenged World—Preservation, Exploration, and Responsibility. Experts including Adelina Hetnar, Head of the Educational Projects Department of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum, and Victor-Jan Vos, Director Collections and Services, Institute for War, Holocaust- and Genocide studies will delve into the complexities of maintaining historical accuracy while adapting to modern educational needs. The discussion will address pressing issues such as the resurgence of antisemitism, the impact of intolerance on historical memory, and the responsibility of institutions to engage with new audiences. The session will be moderated by Oriol López-Badell, coordinator of the European Observatory on Memories (EUROM).

The final session of the day, Generations in Dialogue—The Legacy of WWII Memory, will offer a personal perspective on how war memory is inherited and reinterpreted over time. Tania Szabo, daughter of SOE agent Violette Szabo, Karolina Maczek, granddaughter of General Maczek, and Noemie Lopian, daughter of Holocaust survivors Dr Ernst Israel Bornstein and Renee Bornstein will reflect on their families’ legacies and discuss how younger generations engage with these historical narratives.

The LRE Conference 2025 is open to all. Register now to be part of this key conversation on preserving WWII memory for future generations.

Workshop ‘Introduction to AI and WWII Heritage’ at the LRE Forum 2025

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Viola Scalacci

As artificial intelligence continues to transform numerous fields, its application to cultural heritage is gaining increasing attention. The upcoming workshop “Introduction to AI and WWII Heritage”, held during the LRE Forum 2025, will explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into WWII memory transmission.

This session will introduce participants to the evolving role of AI in the field of heritage and history, with a focus on case studies, ethical considerations, and emerging methodologies. It will also serve as a platform to present “AI Remembers”, a new EU-funded initiative dedicated to exploring AI applications in WWII heritage and inviting stakeholders to contribute to its development.

The use of AI in historical research and heritage management is still in its early stages, but it is already showing significant potential. AI technologies are being developed to assist in areas such as archival digitization, historical content generation, automated translations, and interactive museum experiences. These advancements could help institutions preserve, analyze, and interpret WWII history in ways that were not possible before.

However, with these opportunities come challenges. The use of AI in history raises important questions about accuracy, ethics, and trustworthiness. How can AI-generated content maintain historical integrity? What risks are involved in relying on AI for research, storytelling, or digital exhibitions? These issues will be addressed in depth during the workshop, ensuring a balanced discussion between technological innovation and historical responsibility. The workshop will provide an introduction to AI’s role in WWII heritage, followed by case studies and practical examples. Participants will learn about existing AI applications in historical research, museums, and archives, while also engaging in discussions on the ethical frameworks necessary for responsible AI integration.

One of the primary objectives is to foster collaboration between heritage professionals, historians, and AI specialists. The workshop will also be an opportunity to invite stakeholders to contribute to the development of AI Remembers, whether through participation in research, case studies, or policy discussions on AI ethics and historical accuracy. This workshop is designed for professionals in the WWII heritage sector, including historians, museum curators, archivists, and educators, as well as digital heritage experts. Policymakers concerned with trustworthy AI and digital transformation in the cultural sector will also find the discussions particularly relevant.

The “Introduction to AI and WWII Heritage” workshop will take place as part of the LRE Forum 2025, on 11 March, in Krakow, Poland. If you are an LRE Foundation Member or Partner interested in joining it, register for the LRE Forum 2025 🔗here and then select your workshop 🔗here.

For more information about the LRE Forum programme and general registration, visit the LRE Forum Webpage (the Workshop is organized under the Member Seminar event).

Join the Workshop: ‘Advancing Sustainability in WWII Heritage Tourism’

Posted on February 11, 2025February 12, 2025 by Viola Scalacci

How can we ensure that World War II heritage remains meaningful and accessible for future generations while embracing sustainable practices? This is the question at the heart of Preserving the Past, Securing the Future, a new project dedicated to integrating sustainability into the WWII remembrance sector.

As part of the LRE Forum and Member Seminar 2025, we are launching a dedicated workshop to introduce the project to the sector’s stakeholders, share key insights on sustainable heritage tourism, and highlight opportunities for engagement.

What to Expect?

This interactive session will explore the intersection of WWII heritage and sustainability, offering expert perspectives and practical examples from the field. Our sustainable tourism specialists will present key concepts, good practices, and insights gained so far. The workshop will also feature a real-world case study from the Juno Beach Centre, showcasing how sustainable policies can be successfully implemented in WWII museums and remembrance sites.

Why Attend?

Gain insights into sustainability challenges and opportunities in WWII heritage tourism.
Learn from experts about best practices and innovative approaches.
Discover training and capacity-building opportunities designed for professionals in the sector.
Engage in discussions on how sustainability can be integrated into heritage management.
Find out how to get involved in the project and contribute to shaping a more responsible future for WWII remembrance.

This workshop is an opportunity to connect with peers, exchange knowledge, and take the first steps toward implementing sustainability strategies in your organization.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation. Join us and help drive positive change in the WWII heritage sector! Register for the LRE Forum 2025 🔗 here and select your workshop 🔗 here.

For more details, visit:
🔗 LRE Forum
🔗 LRE Member Seminar

The Member Seminar at the LRE Forum 2025

Posted on January 24, 2025January 24, 2025 by Viola Scalacci

The LRE Forum 2025 will take place from March 10 to 13 in Krakow, Poland. Among its events is the Member Seminar, a dedicated event where LRE Foundation members and partners can connect, share ideas, and learn through interactive workshops and discussions.

Scheduled for the morning of March 11 at the Jagiellonian University Collegium Novum, the Member Seminar provides a platform for members to showcase their achievements and discuss ongoing projects. The session will open with updates from the LRE Foundation, during which the LRE team will present an overview of the organisation’s key projects and recent developments.

One of the seminar’s highlights is the opportunity for members to take center stage. Participants will have the chance to present their accomplishments and pitch their remembrance projects and initiatives planned for 2025. This segment celebrates members’ impactful work while fostering collaboration and the exchange of creative ideas to advance the preservation of WWII heritage. If you’re interested in presenting your project during the seminar, please let us know by completing this form.

The seminar will also include two simultaneous workshops, each focusing on a significant topic:

Workshop 1 – Lessons from the Past: Advancing Sustainability in WWII Heritage Tourism

This workshop will explore how WWII heritage and sustainable tourism intersect. Participants will:

Learn about the Foundation’s new sustainability project and ways to get involved.

Hear insights from a sustainable tourism expert.

Review a case study from the Juno Beach Centre.

Discover training opportunities related to sustainable tourism.

Workshop 2 – Artificial Intelligence and WWII Heritage

This session will examine the potential of artificial intelligence in preserving and interpreting WWII heritage. Topics will include:

Case studies of AI-driven heritage projects.

Ethical considerations in using AI for historical preservation.

Future opportunities for AI applications in this field.

If you haven’t registered for the LRE Forum 2025 yet, you can still do it here. And if you’ll attend the Member Seminar, remember to complete this form to select your preferred workshop. For any questions, feel free to reach out at event@liberationroute.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to Krakow in March!

“Art of Remembrance: An International Call for Artists to Reimagine the WWII Legacy Through Contemporary Art”

Posted on December 19, 2024December 19, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

The Art of Remembrance project has officially launched its call for artists, offering a unique opportunity for creatives to immerse themselves in the history and memory of World War II. This ambitious initiative, developed in collaboration with Tempora, the City of Bastogne , La Coupole Museum , the Nuto Revelli Foundation , and the Sybir Memorial Museum, invites artists from across the globe to participate in a residency program that reimagines how we connect with the past through contemporary art.

At the heart of the Art of Remembrance project is the belief that art has the power to bridge generations and inspire new ways of thinking about history. By engaging with the narratives of World War II, artists will contribute to a collective effort to preserve and reinterpret the legacy of one of the most defining periods in human history.

Four historically significant WWII remembrance sites in Europe will host the residencies, each offering a distinct perspective on the war’s impact. These sites, steeped in history and memory, will provide artists with access to archives, artifacts, and local communities. The resulting works will form part of a traveling exhibition, connecting audiences across Europe with the themes of memory, resilience, and reflection.

The project is supported by an international partnership of cultural and historical organizations and co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe Programme. Together, the partners aim to foster dialogue between past and present, art and history, and people across borders.

This call marks the beginning of a two-year journey for the Art of Remembrance project, offering a platform for artists to create works that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. Whether through painting, sculpture, installation, or other forms, the residencies will allow participants to explore the legacies of WWII in meaningful and innovative ways.

For more information about the residency program and how to apply, visit the Call for Proposals section of the Art of Remembrance website. The deadline for applications is February 5, 2025.

Expanding the Canadian Trails – an interview with Project Officer Emme Johnson

Posted on December 17, 2024December 19, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

At the start of this year, LRE Foundation and its partners began the implementation of ‘Retracing the Footsteps: A Transnational Journey of Canadian Liberation in WWII (REFOOT)’. Supported by funding from the European Interreg North-West Europe programme, the project aims to create a transnational hiking trail that follows the path of Canadian soldiers involved in the liberation of Western Europe during the Second World War. We caught up with Emme Johnson, Project Officer at LRE Foundation, who is leading the project to hear more about it.

Can you tell us a bit about the project and the role of LREF?

The Foundation is leading the project, so we are working with local partners in France, Germany and Belgium to implement it in the four countries in which the trails will be located (BE, FR, DE, NL). Building on the existing Canadian Trail that we created in the Netherlands, we wanted to highlight the history of the Canadian Troops who helped liberate Europe at the end of the war on an international level, and so this project was born.

The new sections of the Canadian Trails will connect the stories of the Canadian soldiers’ journey, from France to Germany via Belgium and the Netherlands, connecting sites like memorials, museums and villages that were important along the way. Once completed, members of the public will be able to discover this history by hiking the trails, either in shorter distances at a local level, or challenging themselves to follow the longer, national and transnational routes.

Who else is involved in the project?

To make sure we highlight a variety of stories in each country, the Foundation is working with several international project partners who have expertise on the topic at a local level. These include: LRE France, the Juno Beach Centre (France), and the For Freedom Museum (Belgium). We also have associated partners supporting the project, including the Juno Beach Centre Association (Canada) who cooperate on the historical aspect of the project, and the French Hiking Federation, European Ramblers Association (Germany), and Stichting Wandelnet (Netherlands), who we consult regarding the hiking trails we use for the routes.

What’s the latest on the project?

So far, we have created a map of all the sites (points of interest) that we would like to include in the trails, for example museums, memorials, locations where a key event occurred etc. There are 200 altogether! We’ve also mapped the international and local hiking routes in the four countries and how they connect with these locations, and at the moment we are finalising the trails we will use. Some of the historians and partners working with us have also started to write the historical content, and this will be a big focus over the next months. We will be working to bring all of the interesting sites and stories together to create the final product, our transnational hiking trail!

Why is this project important for you?

I think it’s easy to see the liberation of Europe at the end of the Second World War almost as a singular event – that we were at war and then once it ended we celebrated together. But it is much more complex than this, and the experiences of liberation varied hugely for people, both soldiers and civilians, depending on where they were geographically. There are some very tragic and moving stories which took place even in the last days of war whilst in other places celebrations took place. This project shows how, even among a small group of countries, the liberation took its time. Each region and village experienced it differently, and it took huge and continued efforts from the armies, in this case the Canadian army, for entire countries to be fully liberated.

How is this project important for local communities?

This project brings a lot of interesting benefits to the wider public. Not only does it highlight history that is lesser known, the more local stories and places, but it provides a great resource for many different people to discover. Whether you’re a keen hiker, a history enthusiast, a young family looking for a day out, or a local who has lived in town for many years but had no idea of the history right on your doorstep, the trails have something to offer everyone!

As a final question, what makes this project special for you?

Highlighting the experiences of so many different places, the stories of the people there and their interactions with the soldiers when they arrived, is really interesting for me. I also like that these trails can take visitors to new places you may not know, like a small village, but also to places that are familiar, like more famous cities, and then reveal a whole new experience there by telling a certain history that you didn’t know before. Combining this history with walking routes is a great way to enable people to explore at their own pace and learn more about Europe’s history and culture. For me this project is a way to preserve important historical events, memories and experiences whilst encouraging people to be active and get outside, and I think that’s a great combination.

Registration Now Open for the LRE Forum 2025 in Krakow!

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

The LRE Foundation is thrilled to announce that registration for the LRE Forum 2025 is officially open! Our annual event, running from March 10 to March 13, 2025, promises an enriching experience for all attendees and will take place in the historic city of Krakow, Poland.

Organized by the LRE Foundation in collaboration with LRE Poland and the City of Krakow, the LRE Forum 2025 offers a four-day schedule tailored to members, partners, and stakeholders in tourism and cultural heritage. The programme includes panel discussions as well as various networking opportunities with international organizations associated with WWII, historical tourism, and international travel.

Key Highlights Include:

On March 11, the LRE Member Seminar offers an excellent opportunity to exchange best practices and learn about the latest initiatives from the Foundation and its network. Moreover, two workshops will be organised: one on WWII Heritage and Sustainable Tourism and another on Artificial Intelligence and WWII Heritage.

On the same day, the LRE Conference, titled “Resistance to Oblivion – Preserving WWII Memories and Lessons for Future Generations”, will feature a lineup of speakers, panel discussions, and interviews, focusing on diverse strategies for preserving the memory of WWII for future generations. The day concludes with a Gala Dinner, a wonderful opportunity to network with Foundation members, key partners, and sponsors.

On March 12, the LREXPO will bring representatives from memorial sites, museums and tourism destinations together with travel industry professionals from Europe and North America for further networking moments.

In the final days, members will join the site visits and explore the most historically significant locations in Krakow and its surroundings, including a tour of the Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factor and the area of the former ghetto, and a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum.

Whether you are part of the LRE network or a professional in the field of history and tourism, the LRE Forum 2025 offers an experience for growth, collaboration, and inspiration.

Register now to secure your place at our annual event. Click here to register.

For more information about the programme, please visit our website. For any inquiries or additional information, feel free to contact us at event@liberationroute.com.

LRE Foundation’s UK branch partners with University of Portsmouth, Hampshire

Posted on December 9, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

LRE UK is excited to announce its newest partner, the University of Portsmouth. After several years of positive cooperations with the university, we are pleased to make this partnership official and look forward to continuing and expanding our work with them. As part of this cooperation, under coordination of Dr Rob James, Senior lecturer in Cultural and Social History at University of Portsmouth, and Ben Mayne, Director of LRE UK, University of Portsmouth students now can elect to work with the Foundation’s UK branch as part of their studies. This involves students researching and creating historical content to design new Themed Routes for the LRE network. Within this they can focus on their personal interests in the topic to develop routes on a variety of themes.

This cooperation provides students with valuable experience in the cultural heritage and remembrance tourism sector, offering them an opportunity to foster their research and writing skills whilst contributing to an international project. This knowledge and information offers valuable additions to the ever-expanding LRE hiking & cycling trails network. It simultaneously supports the Foundation’s mission of raising awareness about Second World War history and its varied perspectives and experiences, and engaging young people in this process.

“This is a great opportunity for young adults to gain many skills in different areas and contribute towards a European project that grows from strength to strength. […] it’s important that we give the future generations the opportunities to participate and work to continue the remembrance.” Says Ben Mayne, LRE UK Director.

In February 2024, the first students to choose to work with LRE UK as part of their studies began working on a Themed Route. Tailored to their own interests, students Sadie White and Francesa Raine explored the reality of the war in Portsmouth from a citizen’s perspective. They researched and presented stories of a war-scarred city, and the sense of community that arose between citizens and military troops. Working with Ben Mayne, the students selected, researched and created items of historical content to create the walking route ‘Community in War-scarred Portsmouth’. This will be available soon on the LRE website.

‘Formalising the University’s partnership with LRE Foundation is a really important development and cements the relationship we’ve had with the organisation over recent years. The partnership will provide students with the opportunity to work on a variety of important heritage projects, and these will not only help to build the students’ knowledge and skills but will also help to ensure that this important period in world history will continue to be remembered and commemorated.’ Says Dr Rob James, Senior lecturer in Cultural and Social History at University of Portsmouth.

After this positive start to the partnership, we are looking forward to future cooperation and projects with the University of Portsmouth!

Kicking Off “Preserving the Past, Securing the Future” at the LRE Foundation Brussels Office

Posted on December 6, 2024January 30, 2025 by Viola Scalacci

This week, the LRE Foundation Brussels office hosted the launch of “Preserving the Past, Securing the Future: A Sustainable Approach to Cultural and Remembrance Heritage”, a new initiative funded by the Creative Europe Programme. The project aims to develop sustainable practices in the cultural heritage and remembrance sectors, focusing particularly on World War II remembrance tourism sites. The project addresses a significant challenge: ensuring that these places can adapt to the modern-day need for socio-cultural, economic and environmental sustainability so that they are able to continue educating and inspiring future generations.

The project goes beyond preserving history, making the important connection between remembrance of World War II and the need to combat todays’ urgent global issues, such as climate change and social inequality. By fostering sustainable development in the sector, the project and its partners seek to create a legacy not only of remembrance but also of responsibility.

Collaboration Across Borders

Central to the project’s vision is the collaboration with three key partners, each bringing unique expertise to the table. Mascontour, a German consultancy specialising in the implementation of resilient and sustainable tourism, offers a strong foundation in training and capacity building for the tourism sector. From Italy, Fondazione Campus Studi del Mediterraneo contributes its academic knowledge in tourism and environmental studies, ensuring a robust research base for the project. Finally, the Juno Beach Centre in France, a centre of interpretation dedicated to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War, exemplifies how sustainability can be effectively integrated into remembrance site management, providing a strong case study of experience and ongoing good practices.

This combination of academic, practical, and consultancy expertise underscores the project’s interdisciplinary nature.

Kick-Off Meeting and next steps

The two-day meeting in Brussels marked the project’s official start, bringing together the partner to align on objectives and establish a collaborative framework. Participants explored the project’s aims and objectives, discussed timelines and partner roles, and shared ideas on how to maximise stakeholder engagement and capacity building activities.

The meeting concluded with a clear set of next steps. Immediate priorities include finalising the structure of capacity-building activities, complemented by e-learning modules, mentoring and peer-learning, and study visits which will equip professionals in the remembrance sector with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement sustainable tourism practices. Stakeholder engagement initiatives will also begin: a research phase will investigate best practices and stakeholders’ needs in order to form a strong foundation for the subsequent project activities. This includes outreach efforts targeting organisations that can both contribute to and benefit from the project. Lastly, dissemination efforts will ensure widespread awareness of the project’s objectives and outcomes, targeting both industry professionals and the general public to foster a collective commitment to sustainability.

While the meeting laid a solid foundation, the real work lies ahead.

‘The project team is committed to this exciting cooperation and to ensuring that each stage of the project reflects the shared vision developed in Brussels. As this project begins, it has potential for an important and lasting impact, not just for stakeholders in the sector but for visitors and members of the public too. We are very happy to be working alongside such strong and passionate partners on this topic to make real change in the sector’ Emme Johnson, Project Officer at the LRE Foundation.