Declaration of the Presidents of International Camp Committees

In an expression of concern over the preservation of the legacy of the concentration camp survivors, the presidents presented a declaration on 27 January 2009. In it, they call on the coming generations to “continue their struggle for a world of justice, peace and tolerance.”

The Historical Site

Buchenwald (1937-1945) became a synonym for the crimes committed by the National Socialists. Until 1950, the Soviets used the grounds for a special camp; after 1958 the GDR established the “Nationale Mahn- und Gedenkstätte” here.

The Memorial

After 1990, the memorial was reorganized according to a new concept now also providing for commemoration of the fates of other victim groups. New exhibitions place the crimes in their historical contexts.

The Historical Site

Mittelbau-Dora was a centre for the German effort to move its armament industry to underground locations during the “Total War”. Forced labour in construction projects and rocket assembly claimed more than 20,000 lives.

U.S. President Barack Obama

Chancellor Merkel and I have just finished our tour here at Buchenwald. I want to thank Dr. Volkhard Knigge, who gave an outstanding account of what we were witnessing...

Elie Wiesel

Mr. President, Chancellor Merkel, Bertrand, ladies and gentlemen. As I came here today it was actually a way of coming and visit my father's grave -- but he had no grave...

International Travelling Exhibition on Forced Labour in the National Socialist Era

Forced labour in the National Socialist era – this is a topic which has been widely discussed over the past twenty years, primarily in connection with compensation payments.

Chronology of the Liberation of Buchenwald, April 11, 1945

This detailed chronology of the events shows how SS command of the camp was ended by the 3rd U.S. Army and the underground inmates’ organization succeeded in securing the camp and providing for the liberated inmates.

Children and Adolescents in Buchenwald

At the end of the war, as many as one in three inmates was under the age of 21. There were hundreds of children, some no older than 4. The underground organization of Buchenwald succeeded in saving more than 900 of them.

Ohrdruf Subcamp

The Third U.S. Army reached Ohrdruf Subcamp in early April 1945, the first concentration camp to be liberated by the Western Allies.

U.S. Veterans Remember

Immediately after the Liberation of Buchenwald, April 11, 1945, the U.S. Army began with the medical care of the completely emaciated former inmates. The memories of enlisted men serving in the 120th Evacuation Hospital provide insight into their experiences.