The Buchenwald Memorial education work offers you a wide range of methods, all based on the concept of “learning by researching”. On the following pages you will find only a selection from the broad spectrum of possible methods.

Brief overviews - Buchenwald

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 German Democratic Republic 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.

Contents of the memorial education work

The history of Weimar and Buchenwald provides a unique historical resonator for historical-political education work. This uniqueness lies in the proximity between the camp and Weimar as a cultural centre, and in the access thus offered to the past.

Brief overviews - Mittelbau-Dora

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.

The Memorial

Today Mittelbau-Dora is both a historical museum as well as the scene of historical crime: traces and relics on the grounds and in the tunnels testify to the past atrocities as well as to the differing approaches taken to the historical events over time. Finally, Mittelbau-Dora is and will remain a place for the mourning and commemoration of the victims.

Contents of the memorial education work

The point of departure and primary focus of the memorial education work are the historical events which took place on these grounds. One very important aspect is an issue essential to understanding the NS society – the interrelationship between members of the German “peoples’ community” and those excluded from that community, among them the concentration camp inmates.