Bridging Ages conference in Tallinn, Estonia, 3-5 June 2011
Using Time Travel to Explore Turning Points in History
The past has not always been a smooth, linear process. Changes often come suddenly and the society takes another direction. Sometimes the changes come violently, sometimes more peaceful, sometimes you don't see the turning point until afterwards. There are changes only affecting the local community but there are also major changes affecting us nationally and internationally.
In the 20th century the two world wars have been turning points for many. The Great Depression, the collapse of the Berlin wall and the Soviet empire, the end of the apartheid system, the peace treaty on Ireland, the atomic bomb, liberation from colonial rule in Africa, global warming, the green revolution are other turning points. And there are many more...
How do we deal with those turning points when writing our history? Is the turning point a way to make peace and understand the past, a way to healing and reconciling after a conflict? Or is it only the victor who writes the "new" history? And what local sites and stories are connected to the turning point?
The Bridging Ages conference in Tallinn is going to explore how the society deals with Turning Points in History today. The Time Travel method will be used to experience the changes in Estonian history in the 1980s. More examples world-wide how local events and sites are used are expected. The aim is to discuss both theoretical issues and share practical experiences.
The conference will take place in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia during its reign as European Capital of Culture. Sessions, comprising of lectures, seminars and workshops, will be held on 3 -5 June and the Time Travel will take place on 4 June. The program is designed to foster developing discussions on the relationship between theoretical frameworks and fieldwork.The conference is due to take place at the same time as the traditional medieval culture festival Old Town Days.
The conference is organized by Bridging Ages, International Organization in Historic Environment Education and TimeTravels together with the Tallinn City Museum.
|
