Memory and Identity in Europe: Presence and Future
European Remembrance Symposium 2020
4–6 May 2020, Tallinn
The 9th edition of the European Remembrance Symposium entitled "Memory and Identity in Europe: presence and future" takes place in Tallinn between 4 and 6 May.
Every year the Symposium offers representatives of institutions and organizations dealing with the history of the 20th century an opportunity to network and to exchange ideas and experiences among their peers from across Europe. The goal is to inspire new initiatives and foster international collaborations.
This year we are meeting to discuss the role of history and memory in the creation of contemporary European identity. Through tailored round tables and panel discussions with established experts, we will reflect upon the current state and future perspective of European memory.
Dedicated networking sessions are also included. Each participant willing to introduce their institution or project to a wider audience, may apply to take part in turbo presentations. Moreover, during Q&A sessions experienced project coordinators will discuss best practices and give advice on how to carry out eucational and social initiatives.
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Registration
Register for the Symposium
Please note that the registration for the Symposium will be open till 27 April 2020.
Programme
9th European Remembrance Symposium
04/05/2020 Monday
12:30-14:00
Registration
14:00-14:15
Welcome Speech
14:15-16:15
European identity today: historical roots and present debates
Dr Siobhan Kattago
Prof. Viatcheslav Morozov
Prof. Gesine Schwan
Prof. Jacek Purchla
Prof. Elazar Barkan (moderator)
This session is to discuss multi-layered perceptions of ‘European identity’ shaped by historical memory implications. The discussion centres around different approaches of remembrance policies and their agents fostering historical awareness in Europe and thus reflecting on the following questions: Is the post-war division into communist and capitalist blocs still relevant and resonating in different macro-regional remembrance cultures rooted in common historical experiences? Which role is the European Union playing now in creating a common identity in Europe?
16:15-16:45
Coffee break
16:45-18:00
Turbo presentations
Apply to present at the turbo presentations
18:00-20:00
Reception dinner
05/05/2020 Tuesday
9:15-10:00
Registration
10:00-11:30
First panel discussion – Remembrance in action: everyday challenges
Dr Jordi Guixe
Ms Constanze Itzel
Dr Monika Kareniauskaitė
Rafał Rogulski
Ms Sandra Vokk (moderator)
This session aims to reflect on the impact of project activities in the field of history on the formation of a European remembrance culture. Representatives of various cultural and remembrance institutions discuss and share their experiences while addressing a range of issues such as: How do contemporary social campaigns, cultural and educational projects as well as documentaries raise and influence awareness of totalitarian regimes? In what way can historical and cultural projects foster reconciliation processes?
11:30-12:00
Coffee break
12:00-13:30
Q&A session – Case studies: project practices
1) Dealing with difficult past
2) Oral history as an inspiration
3) Use of new media/technologies
Learn more
14:15-15:00
Lunch and coffee break
15:00-17:00/17:30
Cultural visits
1) Memorial to Estonia’s Victims of Communism and Estonian Historical Museum
2) Patarei Prison exhibition area ‘Communism is Prison’
3) Historical guided sightseeing tour of Tallinn Old Town (walking tour) including visiting the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom and the KGB Prison Cells.
18:00-20:00
Reception dinner and concert at St Nicholas Church – Niguliste Museum
06/05/2020 Wednesday
9:15-10:00
Registration
10:00-11:30
Second panel discussion – Struggles with the past: memory and politics
Dr Réka Földváryné Kiss
Prof. Giga Zedania
Prof. Andres Kasekamp (moderator)
This session addresses issues of controversy regarding a common remembrance culture in Europe that is characterised by varying experiences and subjective appraisals: In what terms do differing perceptions of nation states as well as collective groups in Eastern and Western Europe towards totalitarian regimes resound in a politicisation of memory? Are there any differences in Holocaust remembrance in Western and Eastern Europe? What are the reasons for the popularity of communism in various countries, irrespective of its crimes?
11:30-12:00
Coffee break
12:00-14:00
Round table discussion
Ms Alicja Knast
Jeffrey K. Olick
Prof. Marius Turda
Dariusz Rosiak (moderator)
This discussion aims to assess the current state of a common European remembrance culture in order to deliberate its outlook with regard to possible future historical debates. Therefore, the session addresses possible scenarios of upcoming conflicts rooted in differing local, regional, national as well as generational perspectives on historical experiences.
14:00
Closing remarks
Lunch break and the end of the symposium
Turbo Presentations
Turbo presentations are short (up to 90 seconds) speeches during which each participant has a chance to showcase their institution or project. Those interested in presenting are oblidged to apply in advance.
Learn more
Rules & Regulations
Partners
