Current language: English

Dealing with memory

Between translocation and transformation - the so-called Herero Stone and the future of remembrance

The duration of our exhibition "BURIED MEMORIES. Dealing with remembrance. The genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama" is drawing to a close, which is exactly the right moment to take stock: After eight months of the MUSEUM in DIALOGUE format, we have heard, seen, experienced and felt an impressive diversity of voices. It became clear that we need to consider different perspectives and aspects when developing a forward-looking cosmopolitan culture of remembrance in relation to the first genocide of the 20th century.

Dealing with remembrance - this is not only one of the two subtitles of our exhibition, but also forms the conceptual core of the entire project: it is about the relationship between past and present - and, on the other hand, about how we can build a bridge between Germany and Namibia (and beyond) on the basis of historical fact and intersubjective experience... for a common remembrance.

Our intention is to go beyond the development of the material nature of the existing signs of remembrance, but also the existing voids in Berlin's urban space, to anchor a sustainable culture of remembrance in the social and intercultural space.

The podium

The moral and political level . ..Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul (former Federal Minister)... was the first German Federal Minister in office to ask for forgiveness in Namibia in 2004. She is still committed to reconciliation between Germany and Namibia - far beyond her time in office.

The historical-factual level ...Dr. Joachim Zeller ... is a historian who has been involved in (post-)colonial research on Namibia for a long time. He comes from Swakopmund in Namibia.

The artistic-activist level ...Hannimari Jokinen... is a freelance artist, curator, author and activist with Finnish roots based in Hamburg. The language of art not only connects people across cultural boundaries, but also offers the opportunity to make things more visible and arouse emotions.

The civil society level ...Israel Kaunatjike... stands - like no other personality in Berlin - for decades of sustained commitment to civil society. A Herero from Namibia, he is fighting for Germany to acknowledge its responsibility for the colonial crimes committed in Namibia.

WelcomeKarin KorteDistrict Councillor for Education, Culture and Sport

ModerationDr. Matthias HenkelHead of the Museum | City History | Culture of Remembrance Departmentand Director of the Neukölln MuseumTranslated with DeepL