Events

The Second World War in Europe ended 80 years ago. The experiences of forced labourers in Berlin are rarely the focus of the commemoration of liberation. Around 370,000 foreign civilian labourers, prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates were in the German capital at the beginning of 1945. Hunger, air raids and violence determined their everyday lives, while the city became a battlefield.

On 8 May, we will focus on the liberation of forced labourers after years of exploitation and dehumanisation with two discussion rounds: What is the significance of the end of the war in different European countries and how has it changed? What role does the use of forced labour play in the families of former forced labourers? On the anniversary of the end of the war, we want to open a dialogue to start a conversation and at the same time give Berlin initiatives an opportunity to present their work.  From 13:30 you can also visit our "Barrack 13" without a guided tour. Our colleagues will also be happy to answer any questions you may have on site.

13:30 - Guided tour of the exhibition "Forgotten Liberation. Forced labourers in Berlin 1945" (German)

14:30 - Discussion with Miloš Měšťan and Micha de Winter, descendants of forced labourers

15:30 - Coffee break I Information stands of local remembrance initiatives

16:30 - Panel discussion "The changing memory of the end of the war" with Prof. Dr Irina Scherbakowa and Prof. Dr Hans-Joachim Funke, moderated by Shelly Kupferberg (German)

17:30 - Guided tour of the exhibition "Forgotten Liberation. Forced labourers in Berlin 1945" (German)