With the increasing threats and uncertainties faced by renowed human rights organization MEMORIAL due to the recent political changes, the project focuses on the description and publication of its archival collections as well as on preparation of selected materials for educational purposes.

The project involves collaboration between different Memorial organizations and international archives and academic research institutions, aiming to achieve its goals by describing and publishing digitized archival materials in Memorial’s online databases, creating inventories and indexes and developing an online course on the history of dissent and opposition. By providing access to unique archival materials, the project facilitates research on political repression, and helps individuals find information about their relatives. By preparing an online course it targets further user groups, including journalists, educational specialists, students, and curators of archival and cultural heritage institutions.

In 2025, the focus of the archival work will be on processing scattered dissident archives and importing data into the joint search engine and online platform ‘Community Space on Dissent and samizdat/samvydav in the Soviet Union’ with the aim of significantly improving accessibility and dissemination for an English-speaking audience.

In bringing together historical and archival expertise into a wider public the project's impact includes improved access to Memorial’s archives, strengthened connections among archival and research institutions, and the development of a comprehensive informational infrastructure and educational resource for scholars and activists focused on Soviet/Russian history and human rights.

In bringing together historical and archival expertise into a wider public the project's impact includes improved access to Memorial’s archives, strengthened connections among archival and research institutions, and the development of a comprehensive informational infrastructure and educational resource for scholars and activists focused on Soviet/Russian history and human rights.

Contact person:
Coordinator: Dr. Manuela Putz