Videotestimonies as a part of the museum educational projects – experience of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

BAAC CONFERENCE 2022 ABSTRACT

Evita Feldentāle
Head of the Audiovisual Department of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

Videotestimony collection (up to date 2440 recorded videotestimonies) of the Audiovisual Archive of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is used widely not only by researchers outside of the museum, but also by the specialists of the museum. 

During the C-19 restriction time museum intensified work with the archival materials and its availability for society through the different projects.

In cooperation with the museum specialists of the Department of Education we fulfilled the project “Childhood. Five Stories about”. It reflects on childhood stories all through 20th century and includes personal experiences of people during the Second World War and postwar period with its consequences - the things forgotten or not widely spoken in society, for example easy access to ammunition and guns in the post war period, holocaust and violence as seen through the eyes of children. 

Project started during covid restrictions found itself timely also in the shadow of the war going on in Ukraine, reminding the society, that war is devastating and has long term consequences.