Landscapes of Memory: Recording the Archaeological Remains of the Holocaust Caroline Sturdy Colls

CONFLICT and FORENSIC ARCHAEOLOGY Over the last decade, forensic archaeologists have played a central role in war crimes investigation Over the last decade, forensic archaeologists have played a central role in war crimes investigation Studies of other twentieth century conflicts have escalated Studies of other twentieth century conflicts have escalated

MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROJECT: ■ Focuses on the exploration of the untapped potential and implications of Holocaust Archaeology ■ Integration of documentary, cartographic and physical evidence ■ Material generated can be used in commemoration, education and heritage strategies. HOLOCAUST LANDSCAPES PROJECT

Layers of History Archaeological data and site histories can reveal information about the various layers of a site. These can be: Physical; Physical; Metaphorical; Metaphorical; Social Social

POST-ABANDONMENT HISTORIES Approaches to sites are often a reflection of various issues: Needs/circumstances of the local community Needs/circumstances of the local community Politics Politics Societal divisions Societal divisions Religious beliefs Religious beliefs Ethical tensions Ethical tensions Financial resources Financial resources

Methodology Core of project: To investigate the site in a way that respects both its historical and scientific potential, as well as its religious and commemorative significance

Methods Used and Features Detected

Stages 1. Historical Review 2. Landscape Mapping 3. Subterranean Mapping 4. Processing and Visualisation 5. Dissemination and Commemoration ALWAYS PARALLEL TO CULTURAL MEMORY RESEARCH

Asking New Questions of Old Material.. ‘numerous human remains were found by these excavations, partially still in a state of decomposition', revealing that not all the bodies were cremated’ (Wojtczuk 1975:184)

12  Map regression  Local history search  County Sites and Monuments Records (SMR's),  National records (NMR)  Walkover survey  Aerial photographs  Geotechnical records  GIS based analysis Site Histories

Disturbance Disturbance This can take many forms – some will be visible from the surface, others will only be detectable below the ground This can take many forms – some will be visible from the surface, others will only be detectable below the ground 13 What can we detect?

14 Vegetation Change Increased Growth

15 Vegetation Change Reduced Growth

16 Vegetation Change Differential Growth

17 Depressions

DGPSTotal Station

Digital Terrain Models

Defining Boundaries

Feature Recording

One of the buried structures identified at Lager Norderney (left) Point data recorded using DGPS and total station survey

Re-use, adaptation, reconstruction and dilapidation all reveal important information about the site ’ s history and approaches to it Re-use, adaptation, reconstruction and dilapidation all reveal important information about the site ’ s history and approaches to it

 The application of methods capable of analysing the physical properties of the subsurface  Buried features can be detected when they contrast with the surrounding soils  Non-invasive method  Often a precursor to excavation Geophysical Survey

GPR

Features consistent with pits, burials, walls, building foundations and other features can all be recorded Features consistent with pits, burials, walls, building foundations and other features can all be recorded Data can be manipulated Data can be manipulated into 3D into 3D

Other Geophysical Methods Other methods are available that measure different properties in the soil Other methods are available that measure different properties in the soil All methods allow us to examine contrasts between anomalies and the surrounding soil All methods allow us to examine contrasts between anomalies and the surrounding soil

Visualisation Alternatives to on-site memorialisation/museumscape Facilitate greater access to cultural heritage

Landscapes and Archaeologies of the Holocaust  NAZI ATTEMPTS TO HIDE THEIR CRIMES  DEFIANCE, RESISTANCE, POWERLESSNESS  VICTIM AND PERPETRATOR ARCHAEOLOGY  BURIAL AND DISPOSAL METHODS

“ Beyond camps and forced labour ” ? Archaeological work has focused on main camps in the past Archaeological work has focused on main camps in the past Need to also examine smaller, less well-known sites Need to also examine smaller, less well-known sites

Dr. Caroline Sturdy Colls Lecturer in Forensic Investigation Staffordshire University (+44)