Inclusive and digital culture of remembrance:
NS memorials as an app

The project

Background and motivation

The digital development of concentration camp memorials and Nazi places of remembrance is the central concern of the project Inclusive and digital culture of remembrance: Nazi memorials as an app. Many of these historical sites are barely visible or accessible digitally. Our project aims to use modern technologies to create an innovative, barrier-free and participatory form of remembrance. It aims to expand the opportunities for information, participation and involvement in the digital space.

Goals

The project is developing a digital model for a contemporary and integrative culture of remembrance using the example of former concentration camps, concentration camp memorials in Bavaria and other Nazi memorial sites. The funding from the federal TransformD program underlines the innovative nature of this initiative.

A mobile app and targeted social media campaigns are used to offer podcasts presenting the stories of victims and survivors. The history of coming to terms with the past since 1945 also plays a crucial role. It connects us with the present and how we deal with it today. The development is participatory, involving people with disabilities, migrant backgrounds and educational disadvantages, in order to ensure the most inclusive and barrier-free implementation possible.

As part of the Memory Media Lab Moving Images and Immersive Media in the Culture of Remembrance at the Film University Konrad Wolf Babelsberg the technological, didactic and scientific foundations are being developed. The conception with immersive media in the project is part of a final thesis. This is based on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates various disciplines such as media and film studies, history, art and technology.

Implementation

At the heart of the project is a separate “Layer” section within the BayernHistoryApp, which offers various digital access options to the historical sites. These include:

• Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) for immersive experiences
• Multimedia content such as texts, audios and videos, 360° tours
• Interactive formats for an individual and in-depth discussion
• Development of own chat AI models with own language model based on historical sources

As part of the Memory Media Lab, a comprehensive digital and inclusive concept is being developed, which will be implemented through the app and the link to digital and media platforms.

Press reports selection

• BR television on the cooperation with the city of Landshut
• Article Abendzeitung
• Article Landsberger Tagblatt
• Article ZEIT Online
• Article Teletariff
• Radio Oberland

 

Effect

The project promotes historical awareness by creating new approaches and perspectives. Users can engage with the content on site or independently – as preparation, follow-up or as an independent educational offer. As a low-threshold, everyday medium, the app enables access to relevant information at any time and makes a lasting contribution to political education.

There is a particular focus on the younger generation in order to promote a critical examination of the past and strengthen civic engagement.

Classification in the current culture of remembrance in Bavaria

The project expands the digital culture of remembrance and creates a link to current social debates on coming to terms with the Nazi past. Location-based information and the inclusion of all victim groups make the historical dimension comprehensive and tangible.

Forgetting would be a second guilt – our project is actively committed to preserving the memory of the victims and keeping it alive for future generations.

WEBSITE: follows

PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION: 1.4.2025 to 31.12.2025

PROJECT PROPERTY: dieKunstBauStelle e. V.

SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR: Dr. Edith Raim

CONCEPT AND IDEA: Wolfgang Hauck

COOPERATION PARTNER: berlinHistory e. V.

PARTNERS: Concentration camp memorials in Bavaria, Obersalzberg Documentation, Irsee Institution, District of Upper Bavaria, District of Swabia, Museum City of Landshut and local initiatives

FUNDING: DSEE German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering ( TransformD program), District of Upper Bavaria

 

STATUS: The project is currently being realized.