Memory Lab

Participatory research on the Lebensborn home in Wienerwald, 1938–1945

What is the project about?

The former Wienerwald home in Feichtenbach (Lower Austria) is a ‘blank spot’ in Austrian contemporary historical research. In a project running since 2020, the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Research on the Consequences of War, in cooperation with the University of Graz, is investigating the history of this maternity home run by the SS Lebensborn organisation, where more than 1,200 children were born between 1938 and 1945.

The involvement of citizens as co-researchers now opens up new possibilities for a constructive engagement with the history of the home. People whose biographies or family histories are connected to the home in various ways are actively involved in the process of historical reappraisal. People from the local area surrounding the home are also participating in this project on an equal footing. Workshops are designed to teach historical research skills and how to work with historical and biographical sources. The co-researchers are also involved in presenting the project’s findings.

What is the goal of the project?

The aim of the project is to explore the history of the former Wienerwald care home in Feichtenbach in collaboration with people who have various connections to the home. It is intended to encourage people to engage with the history of the area and to promote civic engagement.

Who participates in the project?

Former Lebensborn ‘children’; relatives of former Lebensborn ‘children’; people from the local area of the former Lebensborn home in Wienerwald; researchers

How are participants involved in the project?

In workshops, participants are taught historical research skills and how to work with historical and biographical sources. The co-researchers are also involved in presenting the project findings.

Project lead

Lukas Schretter, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Research on the Consequences of War

yhxnf.fpuerggre@ovx.yot.np.ng

Cooperation partners

University of Graz