In late 2007, a number of dedicated persons—amateur historians, working people, students and retirees—joined to found “Sprechende Vergangenheit” (“Speaking Past”, a registered association since 2019). This organization focusses primarily on National Socialism in its local and regional manifestations in Jena and Thuringia. In addition to research, it devotes its efforts primarily to the communication of knowledge and experiences to local citizens, schools and social institutions.
Within the framework of themes such as Nazi forced labour, Jena’s National Socialist university and the remembrance of prominent events (accession to power, book burning, commencement of war, etc.), the association focusses on the installation and maintenance of the more than 60 Stolpersteine commemorating Jena victims of Nazi persecution, the last Buchenwald death march of 11 April 1945, which passed through Jena, and the Nazi murder operations targeting the sick, disabled and children.
Our activities include lectures, thematic guided tours of the city, excursions to Nazi memorials in the region, street performances, the creation of new memorial sites in the city, the support of school pupils working on the theme, etc.
We consider our efforts an active contribution in the struggle against anti-Semitism and right-wing extremism and for the preservation and support of a democratic urban culture, and as an important element of a responsible municipal remembrance and commemoration concept.
Address: Dr. Gisela Horn, Markt 26, 07774 Dornburg-Camburg; e-mail: giselahorn50@gmail.com; phone: 036427-21814
