Information About the Holocaust
During a parliamentary debate in June 1997, the Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson pledged to inform the public about what happened during the second world war, and the attitudes towards and beliefs about humankind that resulted in the Holocaust. This pledge was a response to various outbreaks of violence of a racist character and with overt Nazi connections, which had attracted a great deal of attention, and to a report revealing that far too many school pupils were not convinced that the Holocaust had ever taken place.
On the Prime Minister's initiative 'Living History', an information project on Holocaustrelated issues, was launched. Its purpose was to focus efforts on enhancing knowledge and awareness of the Holocaust, to stimulate discussion and thereby to strengthen awareness and recognition of human dignity and democracy.
The information activities forming part of the project mainly fall into four categories: organised public events, information for parents and the general public, school projects, and measures to support universitybased activities and research.
Published material includes the book Tell ye your children...
Living History has also offered pupils at schools throughout the country an opportunity to see films about Nazism and the Resistance. The screenings attracted over 200,000 pupils. A ninefilm video package was also distributed to every school. Some 40 seminars for teachers on the theme of the Holocaust and the foundations of society's value systems have also been held.
A Programme for Holocaust Research and Genocide Studies has been set up at Uppsala University. A website concerning the Holocaust, the first of its kind in Swedish, has been designed and installed. Sweden's adult education associations recently carried out a joint project aimed at setting up study circles based on Tell ye your children...
For more information, please inquire at the Living History desk in Folkets Hus.
Open Programme Events in Stockholme
In conjunction with the Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust, Living History in cooperation with other organizations is arranging a series of seminars, cultural activities, film screenings, etc for Swedish audiences. Conference delegates are also, of course, welcome to attend.
Homosexuals in the Third Reich
With Professor James Steakley of the University of Wisconsin. Lecture.
Monday 24 January, 6.00 pm, in the Fabian Hall (Fabiansalen) of the ABF building at 41, Sveavagen.
The Role of Museums in an International Perspective
Seminar in English. Tuesday 25 January, 10.00 am1.00 pm, Museum of National Antiquities (Historiska Museet), 1317 Narvävagen. Those wishing to attend should apply by fax, 08519 556 40.
Is History an Idiot's Tale?
The Lessons - or lack thereof from Holocaust History. Seminar in English.
Saturday 29 January, 1.00 pm, in the auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Culture Centre of Stockholm (Kulturhuset).
When the Silence was Broken...
Seminar in English. Saturday 29 January, 3.00 pm, in the auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Culture Centre of Stockholm (Kulturhuset).
The Roma's Porrajaimos - The Forgotten Holocaust
Seminar, partly in English. Saturday 29 January, 3.30 pm, Studio 3 on the 3rd floor of the Culture Centre of Stockholm (Kulturhuset).
Fornekare och nynazister hur bemoter vi dem?
('Deniers and NeoNazis How Should We Respond to Them?') Seminar in Swedish. Sunday 30 January, 1.00 pm, in the auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Culture Centre of Stockholm (Kulturhuset). Application required, by fax on 08-663 01 02.
Describing the Indescribable
A cultural evening about Primo Levi, in English. Sunday 30 January, 6.00 pm, in the auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Culture Centre of Stockholm (Kulturhuset).
Document Holocaust
An exhibition with contributions from ten countries. 26 January29 February, Museum of National Antiquities (Historiska Museet), 1317 Narvavagen.
For the complete programme in Swedish, visit Levande Historia .