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MEMORY & IDENTITY
On the Role of Heritage in Modern Society
13-15 January 2005, Ghent, Belgium - Provincial Capitol
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As part of their continuing program of public discussion and reflection on the role of heritage in modern society, the Province of East-Flanders, the Provincial Archaeological Museum Ename, the Flemish Heritage Institute and the Ename Center for Public Archaeology organized an international colloquium to present a range of perspectives on conflicting memories and contrasting historical visions—and to reflect on the role of public heritage as a powerful tool for social reflection and intercultural dialogue.
The aim of the colloquium was to explore the idea how material heritage can be an important tool in contemporary discussion of intolerance and conflict? Sites of conflicted memories both symbolize and embody problems of intolerance and difficult co-existence. Yet can or should these places be seen merely as “tourist attractions” of a different kind? |
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This event brought together historians, archaeologists, and heritage professionals from Europe, Vietnam, the United States, South Africa, Israel, and Palestine. They discussed how the material remains of difficult and tragic historical events have been meaningfully and sensitively used to contribute to public discussion and education on modern issues of national identity, armed conflict, ethnic violence, and intolerance.
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