Adopt a Monument

The Adopt a Monument project is designed to bring local war history and remembrance to life.

In this workshop, led by Marjan, you will explore the teaching materials of Adopt a Monument, whilst also discussing philosophical questions to stimulate dialogue on commemoration and teaching.

By adopting a monument or war grave and organizing a commemoration thousands of children in the Netherlands are annually involved in the (local / regional) history of the Second World War, the tradition of commemoration and associated rituals. With the teaching materials of ‘Adopt a monument’ they explore the story of the monument, they reflect upon the importance of commemorating and celebrating and they design their own commemoration.

This monument or grave that the children adopt is located in their own neighbourhood, thus they really are discovering their own local history. They learn what commemoration is and why it is important to pass on the stories from the war.

The workshop starts with a short presentation of a research project (conducted by Marjan together with Arie Wilschut) on the effects of ‘Adopt a monument’ on grade 7 pupils’ knowledge and attitudes regarding war commemoration (rituals, values, meanings) in relation to the (local) occupation history of the Netherlands during the Second World War.

The workshop focuses on primary schools, however the materials can also be used in lower secondary schools.