certain reservations here because when we talk about memorial sites, the words “management”, “finance” and "economics” do not quite fit. Are you not worried that this may be a mental barrier that is difficult to overcome?
In the beginning, I was afraid of controversies and conflicts between the order of the economic research and that of the memory of dreadful crimes. Therefore, first of all, I consulted with the leaders of memorial sites and academic circles. When I start talking about numbers and explaining that the financial resources are required to secure the huge social values, by presenting specific amounts, then this controversy diminishes immediately. I think these fears stem from the fact that the economic aspect of the preservation of the relics of crimes against humanity is a new subject, so far managed almost exclusively by the humanities and social sciences. Due to its innovativeness, it raises certain controversies - however, associating figures with the social mission raises understanding. It is very simple - memorial sites serve as a warning to us all, so that such crimes may never occur again. However, for this warning to be audible and legible, these sites must be preserved, and to preserve them, financial resources are necessary. This cause-and-effect thinking convinces people. We must understand that valuable things are expensive. Authenticity is one thing, but we still have education, multimedia etc. The world is moving forward, and this cannot be done in an ascetic form because it will not reach people, in particular the youth. Therefore, we need modern technologies, which are not cheap. The talks resulted in co-operation and substantive patronage of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation and the Stutthof Museum in Sztutowo. So far, the comments are very positive.
This interest is demonstrated by the fact that such an important university as the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities has established an institution dedicated to the study of the economics of memorial sites.
Yes, I hope to interest a significant number of researchers and practitioners to the issue of the economics of memorial sites. The Research Centre for Economics of Memorial Sites also has an integrative value in relation to other sciences. More and more researchers from various disciplines deal with memory, which is why we want to create an integration platform for the scientific community. Everyone can contribute their bit, and the social value of memorial sites is worth such co-operation. I am delighted that people want to participate in this project.
RESEARCH CENTER FOR ECONOMICS OF MEMORIAL SITES
SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Head of Department: Adam Szpaderski, Associate Professor of Management
ul. Chodakowska 19/31, 03-815 Warszawa
e-mail: [email protected]
Photo: SWPS University