Our team has been dedicated to conducting extensive field research in post-displacement regions over the past few months. Each team member has completed multiple research trips in order to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these areas. Following each trip, we come together to collectively review, analyze, and share the insights gathered, which has been the primary focus of our most recent seminars.
The team has been actively engaged in fieldwork, delving into the complexities of displacement, memory, and the interwoven histories of people and places. Karin’s presence in Nové Město pod Smrkem allowed her to experience the lives of those living among formerly German belongings, tracing the fragmented histories of objects and uncovering mysteries that seem to lead nowhere – such as the mystery surrounding an old window or door in her photograph below.
Similarly, Michal’s exploration in Voerde, Germany, focused on the memories of German people displaced from Handlová, and the stories of those who returned to visit this place years later. His work shed light on how individuals perceive the region today, providing valuable insights into the enduring impact of displacement.
Magdalena’s attendance at the 25th anniversary of the Evangelical-Augsburg parish in Piła provided an opportunity to search for connections to the German Lutheran legacy in the region, further enriching our understanding of the enduring ties between communities.
Meanwhile, Karolina’s work not only involved gathering the narratives of resettlers but also using them as the foundation for a temporary exhibition at the Wałcz Land Museum, amplifying the voices of those whose stories might otherwise go unheard.
The team’s fieldwork continues to to bring unexpected stories to light, deepening our understanding of the intertwined relationships between places, objects, and people.