„There are also said to have been barracks there ….“ – Research, traces, publicity

Collieries and the romance of mining characterise the historical narrative of the Ruhr region. However, the fates of the forced labourers who toiled in the coal mines during the Nazi era have so far made little inroads into local cultures of remembrance. This concise collection of essays contains new micro-historical research, text and image documents as well as reports from contemporary witnesses about their forced labour at the Krupp colliery Constantin der Große, to which the Mont Cenis colliery also belonged. They make it possible to develop social and everyday labour perspectives and open up biographical approaches. This makes the publication suitable material for educational work at the Bochum-Bergen memorial site, a fully preserved camp and architectural monument in the centre of the Ruhr region, and an exciting read about violence, life and resistance at the Constantin and Mont Cenis collieries during National Socialism.

An indispensable work on the „dark history“ of Ruhr mining | Systematic reappraisal based on the memories and reports of those affected

The Bochum-Bergen memorial site initiative is non-partisan and a member of the Bochum Alliance against the Right. Its aim is to create a worthy place of remembrance, commemoration and learning about the Nazi crimes against forced labour in Bochum in the former forced labour camp on Bergener Straße and to set an example against inhuman racism. It is actively involved in local politics and demands transparency and the participation of civil society. It offers guided tours for those interested in the topic of forced labour during the Second World War and works with youth groups and schools. The initiative conducts research to uncover things that have been hidden and suppressed for a long time and carries out public relations work.

Initiative Gedenkort Bochum-Bergen/ Gesellschaft Bochum-Donezk e.V. (ed.). „Als die Holzschuhe zerbrachen, ging ich barfuß“ Nazi forced labour at the Constantin and Mont Cenis collieries in Bochum and Herne. Approx. 248 pages, numerous col. Illustrations, 24,95€
ISBN 978-3-8375-2743-8

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An event organised by the Bochum-Bergen Memorial Site Initiative in cooperation with the Fritz Bauer Forum