ABSTRACT

Stiftelsen Arkivet was originally established as a historic site and memorial, and its historic authenticity remains the cornerstone of its activities, while its role as a learning provider came as a result of a clear decision by the organisation to engage more formally with its visitors. This chapter shows when these two roles are combined a range of different dilemmas and challenges emerge. Despite these challenges, there are clear benefits to combining formal learning at an authentic and highly emotive historic site, and there is considerable potential for Stiftelsen Arkivet to refine. This potential role is an arena for facilitating objective discussions about the complicated relationship between history, memory and truth regarding the Second World War. Since Stiftelsen Arkivet's ambition is to provide informed learning programmes, it attempts to engage with some of the challenges Buruma identifies. Funded by Norway's Ministry of Education and Research and trusted by the local schools, it is expected that Stiftelsen Arkivet's provides learning programmes.