Join Geoffrey Bird as he explores Normandy’s sites of war memory, their value as a connection to the past, as well as the politics and challenges associated with managing these heritage sites.

War Heritage Research Initiative Lecture Series - D-Day in 2019: Landscapes of War, Remembrance, and Tourism The 75th anniversary of D-Day June 6, 1944, in Normandy will draw a few remaining veterans and thousands of individuals from around the world. At over 3.5 million visitors a year, it is the most visited battlefield in the world. 

The War Heritage Research Initiative Lecture Series explores various aspects of history, heritage, and memory of the world wars. The Series will include a showcase the new ‘War Memories across Canada’ documentary vignettes, written, directed and produced by Dr. Geoffrey Bird, the project lead and associate professor at RRU.  In addition, we will welcome guest speakers throughout the year presenting on recent research. 

Whereas war history is an essential cornerstone of this series, heritage and memory refer to the contemporary ways in which we remember and connect with the past. A range of topics, including how we remember, forget, and silence the past, the invention of commemorative traditions, the traditions and relevance of how we remember, and the significance and meaning of war tourism are some of the topics we explore.

The event is free, but please register here.

Please visit the War Heritage Research Initiative website for more information on the initiative.