Students from Saalfelden enliven the history of Nazi victims and heroes

Students from Saalfelden enliven the history of Nazi victims and heroes

Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer, Österreich - Last night in the Museum Schloss Ritzen there was a remarkable presentation of the students of the 7a of the Bundesgymnasiums Saalfelden . As part of a one-year research project, young people have worked up the life stories of Nazi victims and resistance fighters from Saalfelden. Under the committed leadership of class leader Andrea Dillinger, the pupils dealt intensively with the dark chapters of local history since the beginning of the school year 2024/25.

The students presented the results of their comprehensive research in entertaining articles. The aim of the project was to make previously often unknown stories visible and to carry the memory of these people into public space. The project was supported by the team "Places of Memory", which was represented by Robert Obermair and Stefanie Ruep. Their professional and organizational support was estimated by everyone present.

A look back: culture of memory in Saalfelden

About workshops that dealt with topics such as oral history and the role of art in memory work, the students were able to gain personal impressions. A highlight of the project was an excursion to Vienna, where they visited historical exhibitions and carried out theme -specific city tours. Such events help to raise awareness of history and to promote an active culture of remembrance.

A central element are the planned stumbling blocks, which are to be laid in Saalfelden in October 2025. These small concrete slabs with brass surface are a political sign: they should bring the life story of the victims of National Socialism directly into the city centers. Over 120,000 stumbling blocks in Europe and more than 30 countries have already been laid worldwide. In Austria, the number is around 70,000 that are reminiscent of the darkest chapters in our history, and the number is growing.

stumbling blocks: a decentralized monument

The stumbling blocks, which was launched by the artist Gunter Demnig 27 years ago, bear names, life data and the last whereabouts of the victims - an approach that gives the victims a face. Despite their importance, however, there is resistance to the stumbling blocks, especially from owners of former aranized houses, such as Deutschlandfunk.de . These conflicts raise questions about the memory and dealing with the past and show that the memory work also brings challenges.

Recently, stumbling blocks have been stolen or damaged in several cities in Germany, including Magdeburg and Weimar. This has led to public shock and outrage, such as tagesschau.de . These incidents once again show how important the commitment of young people is to actively deal with the story and to preserve memories.