A Reflection on and a Conversation about History, Memory, and Education at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

Abstract

Dachau concentration camp was set up in March 1933. During the twelve years of its existence, more than 200,000 prisoners from over 40 nations were imprisoned here and in its sub-camps. At least 41,500 people died there from hunger, disease, torture, murder, and the consequences of their imprisonment. In her introduction, Kerstin Schwenke describes the history of the camp and the memorial site. The head of the Education Department at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial also explains the educational approach used there. This is followed by a discussion with her and other members of the Education Department as well as U.S. public historian Marty Blatt on the educational work, graphic novels as well as politics of remembrance.