The LRE Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr. Chantal Kesteloot has joined its Historical Advisory Board. With an impressive career dedicated to contemporary history, public memory, and the dissemination of historical knowledge, her expertise will significantly contribute to the Foundation’s mission of preserving and promoting the legacy of the Second World War across Europe.
Chantal Kesteloot earned her PhD in Contemporary History from the Université libre de Bruxelles in 2001. She has been a part of the CegeSoma/State Archives team since 1992, where she currently heads the Public History Unit. Her work has focused on the history of Brussels, Belgian national memory, and commemorative practices. A recognized expert on odonymy and the legacy of colonialism in public spaces, she is engaged in exploring how history is remembered and interpreted in the public arena.
Among her notable contributions is the coordination of Belgium WWII, a digital platform that brings scholarly research on Belgium during the Second World War to a broader public. This initiative exemplifies her commitment to making complex historical topics accessible and relevant to today’s society.
Upon joining the LREF Historical Advisory Board, Chantal Kesteloot shared: “As a member of the historical advisory board, I hope to be able to contribute to a better understanding of the history of the Second World War, and to help pass on its legacy in an international context where fake news – including about this period – is unfortunately playing an increasingly important role.”
The LRE Foundation’s Historical Advisory Boardplays a vital role in advising on the historical scope of its projects and overseeing the development of content and research. Chantal Kesteloot’s background and perspective will provide essential guidance as the Foundation continues to develop initiatives that connect people and places through Europe’s shared wartime history.
The LRE Foundation looks forward to working with her in strengthening the historical integrity and educational impact of its work.
As Europe approaches the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Europe Remembers —a project by the LRE Foundation—is calling on people across the continent and beyond to share personal and local stories connected to the war’s conclusion.
The social media campaign, launched this week under the hashtag #IRemember, invites individuals to reflect on what the end of the war meant in their communities, through a wide lens that goes beyond official dates and headlines. The campaign recognises that Victory in Europe (VE) Day—celebrated on May 8, 1945—was not the same for everyone. For some, fighting continued. For others, the return to peace came slowly and quietly, through the sound of silence after air raids, the reopening of a family shop, or the return of a loved one.
A Call for Stories: How Did Peace Arrive for You?
This new digital storytelling campaign encourages participants to explore and share how their family, neighborhood, or town experienced the end of the war, and when it truly felt like peace had arrived. Whether it’s a story passed down through generations, a discovery in a local archive, or a memory tied to a monument or street in your hometown, Europe Remembers wants to hear it.
Participants are invited to submit short vertical videos (up to 1 minute 30 seconds), or written stories if they prefer, by May 5, 2025. There is room for creativity in format and language: stories can be personal reflections, interviews, or even creative narratives, and may be shared in any native language.
Why This Matters
By gathering diverse stories from across Europe and the world, the #IRemember campaign aims to spotlight overlooked perspectives and personal moments that help us better understand the human side of war’s end. These contributions will be featured on Europe Remembers’ official Instagram, Facebook, and website, creating a shared digital space for remembrance and reflection.
Whether you’re sharing a memory from your grandmother, a forgotten piece of local history, or your own thoughts on what peace means today, your voice can help build a more inclusive and diverse narrative of the war’s end.
Join the conversation. Share your story. #IRemember
We are thrilled to announce the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as a new member of the LRE Foundation!This collaboration will strengthen our shared commitment to preserving the memory of the Second World War and ensuring its history continues to offer valuable lessons for future generations.
With 23,000 war memorials and cemeteries across more than 150 countries, the organization commemorates over 1.7 million Commonwealth casualties. Their dedication to maintaining these memorials, along with their educational initiatives, ensures that the fallen are never forgotten. Moreover, CWGC’s commitment to equality, remembrance, and historical preservation makes them a valuable ally in working towards shared goals, and strengthens our mission to make Second World War history relevant and accessible.
“The LRE Foundation is excited to welcome the CWGC to our growing network. This collaboration opens up new opportunities to engage with the history of the Second World War, not only honoring the sacrifices made but also ensuring these stories inspire reflection and action among younger generations,” says Rémi Praud, Managing Director at the LRE Foundation.
From March 10-13, 2025, Megan Maltby, Public Engagement Manager at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and James Garbett, Senior Marketing & Communications Executive, joined the LRE Forum in Kraków, Poland, for the first time. They participated in the welcoming ceremony for new members during the Gala Dinner, alongside other LREF members and partners, marking the beginning of this exciting collaboration.
On 10-13 March, the 9th edition of the LRE Forum was held in the historical city of Kraków organised by the LRE Foundation in cooperation with LRE Poland and the city that hosted the event. Over four days, participants engaged in a range of activities aimed at deepening knowledge, gaining new insight and sharing experiences in an international setting that brought together historians, educators, and tourism professionals.
Welcome Reception
On the 10th of March, LRE Foundation members and key partners gathered in Kraków for a Welcome Reception at the Galicia Jewish Museum, located in the historic former Jewish district of Kazimierz. The setting provided a perfect atmosphere to introduce the Forum’s spirit and themes. Welcome speeches were given by LRE Foundation Managing Director Rémi Praud and LRE Poland Director Joanna Roman, creating an introduction for guests to the next three days full of diverse experiences and opportunities that await.
On the 11th of March, during the first part of the day, the Member Seminar 2025 was organised, an event bringing together members of the LRE Foundation and creating a space for them to share information about recent projects and visions for future activities.The session opened with an overview of the LRE Foundation’s activities, followed by members exchanging experiences, best practices, and key insights.
For the first time, the seminar included two parallel workshops. The first, led by LREF Project Manager Emme Johnson, Nicole Häusler (Senior Tourism Consultant at Mascontour), and Camille Varin (Project Officer at the Normandy Region’s Tourism Department), focused on sustainable tourism practices in WWII heritage tourism. The second, featuring LREF Digital Manager Loïc François, Frédéric Jurie (Professor at the University of Caen), and Błażej Pędzich (Back-End Developer at KERN IT), explored the role of AI technology in WWII history education and memory preservation.
Rémi Praud (LREF Managing Director) opening the LRE Member Seminar 2025at the Jagiellonian University Collegium Novum.
Camille Varin during theLessons from the Past: Advancing Sustainability in WWII Heritage Tourism workshop
LRE Conference
The LRE Conference, held in the historic building of the Jagiellonian University Collegium Novum, was an event full of inspiring and mind-expanding speeches delivered by guests from historical institutions across Europe. Entitled ‘Resistance to Oblivion: Preserving WWII Memories and Lessons for Future Generations’, the conference addressed important issues related to memory education and the preservation of WWII heritage.
Rémi Praud, Managing Director of the LRE Foundation, and Dr. Paweł Sękowski from the Institute of History at Jagiellonian University, introduced the theme of the conference to an audience of 200 attendees. This was followed by the keynote speech, delivered by Yuriy Savchuk, Director of the National Museum of Ukrainein World War II. His words emphasised the importance of preserving the memory of 20th century history in the face of contemporary conflicts. He also highlight how documenting wars in real time influences future historical narratives.
A panel discussion followed, moderated by Oriol López-Badell, Coordinator of the European Observatory on Memories. This discussion brought together representatives from prominent European institutions dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Second World War to address the issue of keeping memories in a challenged world. Panelists included Adelina Hetnar, Head of the Educational Projects Department of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum, Victor-Jan Vos, Director Collections and Services, Institute for War, Holocaust- and Genocide studies, and Jan Blažek,International Cooperation Coordinator at Post Bellum.
The conference concluded with a unique panel ‘Generations in Dialogue – The Legacy of WWII Memory’, moderated by Larysa Michalska from the Max Kopfstein Association – Humanity in ActionPoland, during which we had the opportunity to hear the moving testimonies of Karolina Maczek-Skillen, Tania Szabo and Noemie Lopian, all of whom are actively working to commemorate their relatives’ stories, in various ways connected to the fate of World War II. The incredible accounts of our guests shed light not only on their families’ history, but also on how the life of the person who inherits such a legacy changes, and made us reflect on the importance of preserving and passing on the memory of such stories.
Victor-Jan Vos, Director Collections and Services, Institute for War, Holocaust- and Genocide studies (NIOD)
Tania Szabó, daughter of SOE member Violette Szabó
Gala dinner at the stunning Home Army Museum in Kraków
LRE Gala
To conclude the day, the LRE Gala took place at the Home Army Museum in Kraków, where guests gathered for a festive dinner. Participants were welcomed by Managing Director of the LRE Foundation Rémi Praud, followed by a speech from Chairman of the LRE Foundation Ed Kronenburg. The dinner was enhanced by a thought-provoking keynote speech by Dr. Piotr M. A. Cywiński, Director of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum, drawing attention to the importance and complementarity of expanding our knowledge regarding the WWII events and conducting commemoration activities. The evening culminated in a joyous ceremony welcoming and celebrating the new members of the LRE Foundation network.
LREXPO
On the 12th of March, the annual LREXPO – a tourism trade fair took place, where members of the LRE Foundation had extensive networking opportunities. The event allowed our members and partners to share ideas and best practices, as well as to explore new collaborations between tourism institutions aiming to expand their offerings with fresh destinations and services.
Annual LREXPO Trade Fair at the Museum of Kraków
Annual LREXPO Trade Fair at the Museum of Kraków
At the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum on March 13
Site Visits
Approaching the end of the LRE Forum 2025, on 13th of March participants visited one of the most important places preserving the memory of Nazi crimes committed during WWII against oppressed nationalities, especially Jews – the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum. The guided tour was an opportunity to learn about the history of the camp and the prisoners held here, the vast majority of whom died in the camp. Walking through this remembrance site, confronting its history and reflecting on its significance was not easy. However, sharing this experience with our colleagues, partners and members, made it extremely meaningful and enriched our consciousness.
During the Forum, participants also had the opportunity to take part in educational walks around Kraków, during which they learnt about its history, particularly during the Second World War, and to visit the Oskar Schindler’s Emalia Factory Museum, presenting the fate of Krakow under occupation and the story of Oskar Schindler himself. Particularly important was a guided tour in the footsteps of the Krakow ghetto, which operated here between 1941 and 1943. The tour shed light on the functioning of the Nazi system and the machinery of extermination, targeting the Jews.
FAM Trips
In addition to the LRE Forum 2025 activities, international tour operators had the chance to participate in a Familiarization Trip to Berlin, Kraków, and Warsaw.
With the support of Visit Berlin, a first group of Tour Operators spent three days in the German capital, exploring significant historical sites and gaining valuable insights. Highlights included a guided visit to the former Tempelhof Airport and its exhibition, “Ready for Takeoff – 100 Years of Tempelhof Airport,” as well as tours of the Allied Museum and the Topography of Terror Museum, where participants learned about the Nazi rise to power and the subsequent regime of terror. Other visits included the Berlin-Karlshorst Museum, the Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt, and a walking tour through the area where Jewish families once lived.
After three full days in Berlin, the FAM trip continued in Kraków, where, with the support of the Kraków Tourism Alliance, the tour operators took part in activities related to the LRE Forum 2025.
The final stop of this year’s FAM trip was Warsaw, supported by MROT – Tourism Organisation of the Mazovia Region. The visits included the Warsaw Rising Museum, a WWII and city highlights tour of the Old Town, the Museum of Warsaw, the Institute of National Remembrance, the Palmiry National Memorial and Museum, and the Modlin Fortress.
This week the LRE Foundation joined the initial in-person meeting for the Critical History Tours project kick-off in The Hague. This EU-funded initiative focuses on designing and promoting successful critical history walking tours across Europe. It aims to challenge the way historical debates manifest in public spaces, enriching the way history is taught, shared, and understood across Europe.
The innovative Critical History Tours (CHT) project engages with tension tied to historical debates in modern societies, focusing on how these debates manifest in public spaces, particularly in contested urban areas. By utilising the medium of walking tours as an intervention located at the intersection of public history, heritage, and tourism, the project aims to address these tensions constructively.
The project’s leading partner EuroClio, the European Association of History Educators, invited the Critical History Tours partner organisations to the kick-off meeting in The Hague from 16 to 18 February 2025. Joining the LRE Foundation as fellow partner organisations in the project are Uncomfortable Oxford, Atrium (Architecture of Totalitarian Regimes of the XXth Century in Europe’s Urban Memory), the Balkan Museum Network and the International Students of History Association (ISHA).
The Critical History Tours project aims to map existing critical historical guided tours in European cities, create new adult education opportunities by providing high quality lectures, workshops and courses for historical tour guides with an officially recognized certification. Furthermore, the project intends to strengthen cross-sectoral and transnational cooperation between providers of critical history tours, give the local population the opportunity to participate in guided tours, engage in conversations about local and global contested histories and improve public awareness and critical understanding of Europe’s historical heritage.
LRE Foundation project assistant Lisa Schweiger is excited about working on the project in the future: “I am looking forward to challenging existing historical narratives by developing new guided tours involving contested sites. There is a high demand for looking at our history from a different perspective and leaving the beaten tracks. Our partner organisations all have great expertise in their field of work, which will enable us to successfully carry out this ambitious project.”
Critical History Tours aims to leave a lasting impact on local tourism by combining a critical approach to contested history, public engagement, and the education of tour guides. It aims to engage in conversations about local and global contested histories and represent typically neglected social groups by bringing them to the center of the public education sphere.
The three-day meeting in The Hague marked the project’s official start, bringing together all partner organisations 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 conceptualize lectures, workshops and trainings for future critical history tour guides.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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.
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 🔗hereand then select your workshop 🔗here.
For more information about the LRE Forum programme and general registration, visit theLRE Forum Webpage (the Workshop is organized under the Member Seminar event).
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 🔗hereand select your workshop 🔗here.
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!
