Remembering and commemorating: Heidelberg exhibitions on the 1945 war

Remembering and commemorating: Heidelberg exhibitions on the 1945 war

On April 18, 2025, Heidelberg University will look back on the end of the Second World War with a variety of events. The global conflict that raged from 1939 to 1945 shaped not only European but also collective memory. This historical context promotes a culture of remembrance that is combined with a commitment to prevent similar catastrophes in the future. uni-heidelberg.de reports that the Ruperto Carola lecture series knows how to help shape this memory process. She raises issues such as freedom, peace and democracy.

The series of events entitled “1945: Epoch Threshold and Space of Experience” was organized by Prof. Dr. Manfred Berg from the History Seminar designed it. The lecture looks back at the end of the war in the context of the 20th century as well as the reconstruction of human experiences and experiences. In this context, nine experts from Germany, Austria and the USA will have their say, shedding light on both local and international perspectives.

Remembering Heidelberg after the war

A central element of the events is the photo exhibition “1945: Heidelberg – all lost?”, which opens on May 4th in the foyer of the New University. This exhibition, led by Prof. Dr. Frank Engehausen, addresses the experiences of Heidelberg's citizens after the war. The focus is on crucial aspects such as the American invasion, denazification and the living environment of displaced persons. The difficult food and supply situation as well as the restart of educational and cultural life are also discussed. Visitors can view the exhibition from May 5th to July 11th.

Another highlight is the exhibition “1945: Leonard McCombe – Nach dem Krieg / Aftermath of War”, which will also be shown at the Heidelberg Center for American Studies from May 6th. This exhibition brings the photographs of war correspondent Leonard McCombe to Germany for the first time. Between 1944 and 1946 he documented the end of the war in Europe and the associated suffering of the survivors. The experience is further deepened with accompanying audio messages from the photographer.

Lecture series and social reflection

The opening event of the lecture series will take place on May 5th, when Prof. Dr. Jörn Leonhard gives a lecture on “How wars end: 1918 and 1945 in comparison”. The weekly lectures in the auditorium of the Old University are intended to encourage the audience to think more intensively about the past. The event period, until July 11, offers an extensive opportunity to reflect on the meaning of remembering and the lessons that can be learned from history.

Dealing with the past also remains of central importance in the broader German culture of remembrance. Loud bpb.de The challenge of remembering the Nazi regime remains relevant, especially at a time when group-based misanthropy is on the rise. The need to learn from the mistakes of history is undeniable in order to prevent crimes against humanity from recurring.