ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a topic overlooked in the literature: how dark tourism may be presented to children through organized events. To illustrate the impact of dark events on children, the authors examine the case study of the Centenary of World War One in Australia, which ran from 2014 to 2018. Initiated by the Australian Government, the centenary comprised a diverse program of ceremonies, commemorations, re-enactments, and exhibitions. In addition to commemorating World War One, the program also included commemorative events related to the 75th Anniversary of World War Two and the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. This chapter draws on qualitative interviews with organizers, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, war memorials, museums, and galleries. Organizers were highly conscious of dissonant visitor reactions and pressure to sanitize the program and exhibition interpretation. Accordingly, they sought to include children and families, recognize sacrifice and service, evoke empathy, and stimulate discussion about the nature of military conflict. The interviews generated insights into how activities and exhibitions were structured for children and families and suggested approaches replicable by others organizing such events.
