When it comes to understanding and remembering the history of the Holocaust, the Berlin Concentration Camp Memorial holds immense significance. This memorial site, located on the grounds of the former Sachsenhausen concentration camp, serves as a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II.
The History of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Sachsenhausen was constructed in 1936, and was one of the first concentration camps in Germany as constructed by the Nazi regime. Originally used as a prison for political prisoners the camp was also used as a blueprint for some of the other camps. Since its formation in 1942, tens of thousands of prisoners; Jews, political prisoners, homosexuals and other undesirables where ill-treated, overworked and gassed to death.
The Memorial’s Objective
Purpose of constructing the Concentration Camp Memorial was not as hazy when it was constructed, it was purely meant to help the world remember the victims and educate the future generation, accept equals and embrace tolerance. As a result, the memorials’ ability to keep the camp’s remains makes it a somber place for reflection on the occasion of history’s atrocities.
A Visit to The Concentration Camp Memorial
When planning a visit to the Concentration Camp Memorial, here are some important details to keep in mind:
Opening Hours and Admission
Entry to the memorial is possible all year round although it has different admission times on different seasons. This is a good place to note that one should visit the website of a university or college for the most recent information. Although the admission to the memorial is free, guided tours thereof may be arranged at some cost. For those who want to learn about the site and it’s past in more detail it is possible to arrange a guided tour.
Exploring the Memorial
Upon arrival, visitors can explore the various areas of the memorial, which include:
The Prisoner Registration Complex: This area provides the visitors with an idea of the prisoners, their experiences, and the registration that they underwent on admission.
The Appellplatz: Concerning historical chronicles, this is the central square where enemies of the state and prisoners in general were counted at least several times a day and administratively punished for any signs of insubordination.
The Barracks: These surviving structures give one an idea of the appalling living standards that were experienced by the prisoners.
The Execution Trench: This persecution is evidenced by these ghost-like structures which bear ruins of the several executions performed on the camp.
The Memorial Museum: Here, visitors have an opportunity to learn much more about the history of the camp and the people who were confined there from the numerous exhibits and information displayed.
Reflecting at the Memorial
Also, one has to be really careful when visiting the memorial; this means that there is need to be very serious and careful. Spend time thinking about the suffered events and gradually come to the conclusion that it is time to remember the victims.
www.remember.org As the Memorial mentioned above, this organization’s major function is to educate the community about the Holocaust.
The Concentration Camp Memorial also plays a vital educational role:
Organized Tourist Packages and Tours and Education Programme
It has individual tours for groups of people of different ages and for those who decided to deepen their knowledge in history. These.Before moving to details, these tours offered by professional tour guides will give the participants sufficient history of the camp and the holocaust. However, there are features that are targeted to schools and other educational frameworks for forgetting dialogue and achieving different critical thinking.
Research and Documentation
The memorial in question actively works with historians and is constantly conducting researches and gathering new materials to represent history as accurate as possible. Written, oral, and physical evidence makes it possible to learn various aspects of the events in which people perished in Sachsenhausen and other camps.
Closing Thoughts
The official site of the Concentration Camp Memorial in Berlin presents informational and educational programs to visitors. Hence, by going through this memorial, by having a desire to look at what has happened in the past, we want to be the ones who making sure that this kind of acts are never done again by teaching future generations. It becomes important that all people will not forget the Holocaust and use that knowledge to increase the tolerance level in society.
