Category Archives: memory

New Museum Memorializes Sichuan Earthquake Victims

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Nicholas Merkelson

Beichuan, the most heavily damaged town in the Sichuan earthquake zone, will soon become a museum and memorial to the victims of the May 12, 2008 earthquake.  The local government announced recently that the town’s ruins, including collapsed and leaning homes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Beichuan, earthquake, heritage, memorial museums, memory, negative heritage, trauma | Leave a comment

World Cultural Heritage Enshrined In Local Commemorative Plaque

Posted on November 21, 2010 by Nicholas Merkelson

Sometimes, when you think you’ve seen every commemorative statue and memorial in your town, you find another one hiding under the rug — or in this case, prominently displayed in a public space.  Here’s a piece of local history and … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, heritage, humankind, local heritage, memory | 1 Comment

Negative Memory Bulldozed in Sri Lanka

Posted on May 8, 2010 by Nicholas Merkelson

A March post on Culture in Peril, titled “Remembering to Remember at Holocaust Museums,” discussed the topic of memory and its crucial role in effecting proper negotiation of tragic negative events. I wrote, [T]he key premise of this blog post: museum … Continue reading →

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Remembering to Remember at Holocaust Museums

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Nicholas Merkelson

I recently visited the Imperial War Museum London, a British national museum which seeks “to enable people to have an informed understanding of modern war and its impact on individuals and society” (mission statement). If you are hoping to learn about … Continue reading →

Posted in genocide, heritage, Holocaust, Imperial War Museum, memorial museums, memory, trauma | 1 Comment