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Description
The project focuses on victims of the Nazis and on ethnic groups affected by post-war forced resettlement. It creates a rich database of victims of the Nazis and of people affected by postwar resettlement between Czechoslovakia and Hungary and connects them to the places they have once lived in.
The project´s added value is its focus on the Hungarian minority in Slovakia, living together with the majority population in mixed territories, and border changes after the war. The number of witnesses from this target group is declining sharply and it is therefore necessary to do the research in this area as soon as possible in order to preserve valuable material. Myths and negative stereotypes towards those who have been victims to Nazis, nationalism, etc. are still alive in the Slovak society. The aim of the project is to to make historical knowledge more attractive and accessible to the public through personal stories.
The project has 2 parts: activities focused on „Stolpersteine“ – memorial brass plates commemorating individual victims of the Nazis (Jews, resistance fighters, etc.) placed in front of the victim''s house depicting his/her name and fate. We will carry out accompanying research on the fate of the family and their story and create a web-database presenting the story of each family/individual in a visually attractive form with biographical data, with personal photographs and other artifacts and/or with audiovisual accessories (film, radio report) and other media references. We will arrange placing of around 60 brass plates in around 15 locations/cities in Slovakia. The second part of the project is audiovisual processing of testimonials of individuals remembering coexistence of different ethnic groups (German, Hungarian, Slovak), who were forcibly relocated after the war.
Methodology for schools on how to work with these topics and how to use the videos in schools will be created as a part of the project.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the historical failures and challenges faced by the Slovak society during and after World War II. Specifically, the focus was on addressing the country''s limited acknowledgment of its involvement in Nazi crimes and the expulsion of certain population groups from its territory. The primary method employed in the project was to highlight individual stories affected by these historical events using art-infused forms such as film, public memorials (Stolpersteine or "Stumbling Stones"), literary-historical processing with visual elements like photographs, and sound presentations.
To enhance the comprehensibility and palpability of the message, these stories were strategically placed in well-known public locations within the respective regions. Placing memorial stones for the victims of the Nazis at the exact locations they once lived allowed passersby to empathize with the experiences of the individuals or families, fostering sensitivity towards human rights and the protection of the public against their violation.
In the project''s initial phase, a comprehensive approach was undertaken, encompassing meticulous research efforts, the poignant installation of memorial stones at carefully selected public events, and the deliberate dissemination of these impactful narratives through a multitude of media channels. This multifaceted strategy aimed not only to bring attention to the historical oversights in Slovakia''s involvement in Nazi crimes and post-World War II expulsions but also to deeply engage the public in understanding the profound human rights implications embedded within these stories.
The project''s commitment extended beyond traditional storytelling methods, incorporating innovative educational initiatives that sought to amplify the resonance of the narratives. Through strategic placement of these stories in public spaces and the utilization of diverse artistic mediums, such as film, literature, and sound presentations, the project sought to create a profound and lasting impact on the collective consciousness, fostering empathy and a heightened awareness of human rights issues.
The subsequent set of activities delved into what could be aptly termed "rescue research." This phase was dedicated to an in-depth exploration of the reverberations of historical events on human rights within various communities. The emphasis on "rescue" here underscores the project''s commitment to salvaging and preserving narratives that may have otherwise been overlooked or lost to time. By meticulously examining the impact on different ethnic groups, including Slovak, Hungarian, Czech, German, and Jewish communities, the project aimed to shed light on the intricate interplay between historical events and their enduring human rights implications. This nuanced exploration sought to contribute not only to a more comprehensive historical understanding but also to a heightened awareness of the ongoing importance of protecting human rights across diverse communities.
The successful placement of 60 Stolpersteine in 16 towns and villages, accompanied by 77 media outputs and 19 documented stories on the project''s website, exemplified a tangible commitment to preserving the human rights narratives of the affected individuals. Interviews with 17 witnesses, particularly from the oldest age group, ensured the preservation of valuable testimonies, contributing not only to historical understanding but also advancing public awareness, education, and a heightened sensitivity to human rights issues.
The project created a transformative effect on both historical awareness and the promotion of human rights. The project''s beneficiaries included the general public, educational institutions, and various communities involved in or affected by the historical events under scrutiny.
For the general public, the project served as a catalyst for a heightened understanding of Slovakia''s historical role in Nazi crimes and the post-World War II expulsion of communities. Through the installation of memorial stones in public spaces and the dissemination of narratives via diverse media channels, the project contributed to a more nuanced and empathetic comprehension of the human stories intertwined with these historical events. The tangible placement of Stolpersteine in towns and villages not only served as a memorial but also actively engaged passersby, fostering a collective consciousness about the importance of respecting human rights.
Educational institutions benefited from the project''s commitment to innovative educational initiatives. By integrating these narratives into various educational programs, the project enriched curricula, offering students a deeper understanding of the historical context and its implications for human rights. The material generated through rescue research became a valuable resource for further academic exploration and contributed to filling gaps in historical knowledge.
The communities involved in or affected by the historical events experienced a direct impact through the preservation of their stories. The project''s emphasis on rescue research ensured that the experiences of various ethnic groups, including Slovak, Hungarian, Czech, German, and Jewish communities, were not only documented but also shared with the wider public. This had the dual effect of validating and preserving the cultural heritage of these communities and fostering a sense of acknowledgment and reconciliation.
Overall, the project''s outcomes and impacts reverberated across societal layers, contributing to historical consciousness, educational enrichment, and the promotion of human rights among diverse communities.