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Volunteer interpreters explore history on Obersalzberg
17 lay interpreters from Berchtesgaden visit the Obersalzberg Documentation Center for intercultural education and tolerance.
Volunteer interpreters explore history on Obersalzberg
A very special event recently took place in Berchtesgadener Land. Seventeen committed volunteer amateur interpreters, who are committed to integration and intercultural exchange, went on an exciting trip to the NS Documentation Center Obersalzberg and the Kehlstein. This informative day was organized by Astrid Kaeswurm, the integration guide at the district office, and Verena Seel, the head of migration advice at Caritas. The initiative aimed to combine history education with intercultural exchange and to honor the voluntary commitment of the participants.
In the exhibition of the documentation center, visitors were welcomed by Dr. Mathias Irlinger, the director of the facility, was warmly welcomed. The central theme of the exhibition deals with the role that Obersalzberg played during the Nazi regime. A particular focus is on the dispossession of the population and the disastrous effects of exclusion and propaganda. These topics really touched some participants. They shared moving personal experiences about discrimination, both past and present, that they have experienced in their countries of origin.
Insights into history
After visiting the exhibition, the group went to visit the site of the former Berghof, where Dr. Irlinger deepened the topic of the expropriation of the local population. At a digital media station, the participants analyzed aspects of Nazi propaganda - an important part of history lessons. The moment when the visitors were able to enjoy the fantastic view from Kehlstein was particularly impressive. Anyone who wanted to had the opportunity to visit the exhibition there or explore the summit cross.
The day was rounded off with lunch in the mountain restaurant, where we exchanged impressions of the trip. The participants emphasized the importance of promoting tolerance, diversity and active civil society engagement in order to counteract exclusion.
Planned expansions of the documentation center
The Nazi Documentation Center itself could soon attract even more visitors. How Mercury reported that a comprehensive expansion of the center is underway. The foundation stone for the new building was laid in October 2017 by Bavaria's Finance Minister Markus Söder. During construction work, the documentation center will remain largely accessible to the public. The aim of this expansion is to strengthen the younger generation's historical awareness and counteract right-wing extremism. A new permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions, lectures, events and a seminar and education center are planned. What is particularly noteworthy is that the exhibition space in the former second seat of government of the National Socialists is to be quadrupled.
Accessibility is also taken into account to give anyone interested the opportunity to engage with this important story. The Nazi Documentation Center at Obersalzberg thus makes a significant contribution to the culture of remembrance and the understanding of our past.