Viola Scalacci, Author at LRE Foundation

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 This involves students researching and creating historical content to design new Themed Routes for the LRE network.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 Working with Ben Mayne, the students selected, researched and created items of historical content to create the walking route ‘Community in War-scarred Portsmouth’.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.

The “Art of Remembrance” project kicks Off: creating innovative WWII narratives through Contemporary Art

Posted on November 28, 2024April 1, 2025 by Viola Scalacci

This week marked the launch of the EU-funded Art of Remembrance project, as partners gathered at Tempora’s office in Brussels for a comprehensive kick-off meeting. The project, a collaboration between leading cultural and historical institutions across Europe, aims to bridge the gap between history and contemporary art, engaging audiences across Europe with innovative artistic expressions and narratives.

The consortium, spearheaded by Tempora, includes the LRE Foundation alongside the City of Bastogne (Belgium), La Coupole Museum (France), the Nuto Revelli Foundation (Italy), and the Sybir Memorial Museum (Poland).

A Project that bridge History and Art

As time moves further away from the events of the Second World War, keeping its memories accessible for future generations becomes increasingly challenging. The Art of Remembrance project seeks to address this by reimagining WWII remembrance through contemporary art.

At its core, the project aims to transform WWII remembrance sites into dynamic spaces for artistic creation and dialogue. This will be achieved through artist residencies, in which artists will create new works inspired by the historical sites where they will work, offering fresh interpretations of the war’s legacy.

The project also emphasizes community involvement, with workshops and seminars that connect local residents with artists, fostering dialogue and making history feel more accessible.

Art of Remembrance will culminate in a travelling exhibition, showcasing the artworks across Europe, supported by publications and an online platform. This will ensure the reinterpretation of WWII history reaches a wide audience, keeping the past alive and relevant for generations to come.

Insights from the Kick-Off Meeting

The kick-off meeting at Tempora served as a starting point for this multi-faceted initiative. Partners shared their organizational insights, discussed the project’s objectives, and delved deeper into some of the specifics, such organizing the traveling exhibition’s logistics and the artist residencies’ structure.

Participants also had the chance to tour Tempora’s renowned laboratory drawing inspiration from its expertise in crafting compelling exhibitions.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of budget allocations, administrative requirements, and a clear roadmap for the next phases of the project. Key immediate tasks include finalizing the call for artist proposals and establishing timelines for workshops and exhibitions.

With its innovative approach, Art of Remembrance represents a bold step toward rethinking WWII remembrance sites as spaces of creativity and cultural exchange. By connecting past and present through art, the project aims to keep the lessons of WWII alive and relevant for generations to come.

For more information on Art of Remembrance and updates on its progress, stay tuned to the LRE Foundation’s official channels.

AI Remembers project kickoff: Integrating AI into WWII Heritage Preservation

Posted on November 21, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

The LRE Foundation has officially launched the AI Remembers project, an EU funded initiative designed to explore the integration of artificial intelligence into the preservation and interpretation of WWII heritage. The project involves collaboration with key partners KERN IT from Belgium and the University of Caen Normandy in France. Together, the partners will work on the possibilities brought by new AI and Learning technologies for presenting historical content, using the Liberation Route Europe – our Cultural Route certified by the Council of Europe – as a test case.

The project’s kickoff meeting took place at KERN-IT’s Office in Brussels.

The meeting focused on outlining the project’s objectives and planning the initial steps of the collaboration.

Project Objectives

The AI Remembers project aims to explore the use of AI and Machine Learning technologies to reimagine how WWII history is preserved, interpreted, and shared. One of its primary goals is to transform traditional approaches by making historical narratives more interactive and accessible, particularly for younger audiences and students accustomed to digital experiences. AI tools will also help overcome language and cultural barriers, allowing content to reach a broader and more diverse audience.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the initiative. Historians, educators, and technologists will work together to ensure the project combines historical accuracy with technological innovation. At the same time, the sensitive nature of WWII content requires a careful and ethical approach. The project will develop a framework to guide the responsible use of AI in presenting this material, ensuring the narratives are treated with respect and integrity.

The kickoff meeting in Brussels was an important first step in bringing together the team and aligning efforts towards achieving the project’s objectives. More updates will follow as the project progresses.

Loïc François, LRE Foundation Digital Manager:

“We are very proud to be part of this multi-perspective team to discuss the impact that AI technologies and Machine Learning can have on the preservation and interpretation of WWII heritage “

Khalid Yagoubi, CTO of KERN IT:

“An opportunity to study the impact of the various AI technologies on historical facts and to explore new methods for discovering and examining history.”

Frédéric Jurie, professor and specialist in Trustworthy AI from the University of Caen Normandy:

“These contributions will broaden the scope of our research and complement civil society’s thinking on trustworthy AI’ ”

LRE Foundation enhances visibility at key networking events across Europe

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

As the LRE Foundation continues its mission to expand the Liberation Route Europe project, our team recently took part in several major European networking events, strengthening connections with the Travel Trade industry and promoting our LRE hiking and cycling trails.

CycleSummit – Bern, Switzerland

From 12 to 15 October, Project Officer Emme Johnson attended the CycleSummit in Bern, Switzerland. The largest European trade show for bicycle touring, over 100 organisations attended this year’s summit. The event offered a prime opportunity to showcase LRE’s hiking and cycling trails to tour operators from throughout Europe and beyond who specialise in bicycle tourism. Emme’s participation helped increase awareness of the Liberation Route Europe trails among key players in the sector, to encourage the inclusion of our many sites, stories and routes into cycling and hiking tourism itineraries across Europe.

Global European Marketplace – London, UK

On 31 October and 1 November, Project Officer Emme Johnson and Press and Communication Advisor Gert-Jan Jacobs represented the LRE Foundation at the Global European Marketplace in London, the premier annual travel trade event of the European Tourism Association (ETOA). This dynamic gathering brought together over 800 industry professionals for a day and a half filled with networking and insights into the latest tourism trends. Emme and Gert-Jan connected with more than 20 international tour operators, spotlighting the Liberation Route Europe project and its unique historical and touristic significance. Their efforts helped open doors for potential partnerships that aim to inspire global audiences to explore the powerful stories and sites along the route.

Interreg NWE Annual Event – Dublin, Ireland

On 5 and 6 November, LRE Foundation Managing Director Rémi Praud and Project Officer Emme Johnson attended the Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) Annual Event in Dublin. As beneficiaries of the Interreg NWE EU funding programme, LRE Foundation was among a diverse group of project applicants, EU representatives, and decision-makers. The event was an invaluable opportunity to showcase both the ongoing REFOOT project and the Liberation Route Europe Trails, while networking with potential collaborators to support our efforts in making WWII history accessible through sustainable tourism.

Looking forward to 2025, the LRE Foundation is preparing for the LREXPO at the upcoming LRE Forum, scheduled for 10 to 13 March 2025, in Krakow, Poland. This event will provide a valuable platform for our members and partners to connect with representatives from the travel trade industry, including European and North American tour operators, through dedicated networking sessions and FAM trips. We’re excited to strengthen these relationships and expand the reach of the Liberation Route Europe project. More details about the Forum will be shared in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Forum, click here.

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.“