Oral history

Established as a source of historical knowledge only after the Second World War, today the decline of contemporary witnesses is debated. Central to the debate is the presumed loss of a particularly valuable link to history. Oral history is key to the projects of Geschichtswerkstatt Europa, allowing the young Europeans a more intensive and direct engagement with the conflicts of the 20th century and remembrance of them.

This would not be possible without the method of oral history or the ability to critically apply the knowledge gathered in this way. Any discussion of remembrance of the conflicts of the 20th century must take into account both individual and collective memories, those cultivated by the state and society and consider them alongside one another.