Challenges and Methodological Problems

Polish Center for Holocaust Research, Warsaw, 24-29 September 2017

We would like to invite those working in the field of Holocaust research and documentation to submit their application for the international EHRI Seminar: “‘Polish’ Sources for Holocaust Research – Challenges and Methodological Problems”, to be held at the Polish Center for Holocaust Research, Warsaw 24-29 September, 2017. 

The Seminar is organized within the framework of the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI) project, supported by the European Commission.

Sources and challenges

Archival sources from Polish archives are very important for Holocaust researchers. During the EHRI Seminar we want to present various types of materials which can be useful for scholars interested in the topic of fate of Jews during the WW2; from widely known documents, diaries and testimonies to recently opened archives like post-war investigations files. We want to talk about opportunities and ways to use those materials – not only in traditional research but also combined with digital humanities tools like data mining or mapping. Above all, during the workshop we want to discuss the methodological challenges relating to Holocaust research and archival documentation. The discussions and presentations will be supplemented by visits in various Warsaw institutions and on-site tours in Warsaw and to Treblinka.

Main questions

This seminar is especially addressing graduate and postgraduate scholars from a variety of disciplines. The seminar will be an unique opportunity to share our experiences, discuss various problems in Holocaust research and learn from each other. The seminar’s objective is to enhance cooperation among researchers interested in this field of work with different types of archival materials.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Basic research in the field of Holocaust in Poland
• Problems with sources, research and interpretations
• Unknown and unused sources as a research base
• Holocaust as a microhistories vs. macrohistory – possibilities of synthesis
• Different approaches to the topic – documents, oral history, archeology, media studies
• From research to dissemination– how to use materials for a wider public?

Practical information

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2017. Incomplete applications and late applications will not be considered. Please note that since the seminar will be devoted to, and to a large extent will be based on Polish archival materials, passive knowledge of the Polish language is a precondition for attendance.

Organizers covers participants travel, housing and living expenses.

An application package consists of:

• A completed application form
• A curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• Motivation of reasons for attending this seminar (maximum 1 page)
• A letter of recommendation

Please submit the application package to: ehriworkshop@holocaustresearch.pl

Selected participants will be informed by e-mail by the end of April 2017.