Events

Many of us have inherited family archives – letters, photographs, diaries, objects – precious, fragile items that have somehow survived the Nazis, the Holocaust and WWI/II and found their way to us, the Second and Third Generations. Where should they go next: do we retain them within the family or donate them acknowledging their historical significance?  In this event we will hear from members of the Second Generation – Naomi Levy, Julia Donat, Merilyn Moos and Marian Liebmann – who have taken the momentous step of donating their archives to the Wiener Holocaust Library, the Imperial War Museum, Senate House and Fotohof Salzburg. They will share their dilemmas and experiences, what they donated, when, why, how they came to make the decision about the recipient archive and country, how they feel about it now, and the impact on the wider family. We will also hear a Third Generation perspective. This event is open to all generations. After the presentations there will be time for your questions and comments. To attend, please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/donating-your-archive-a-2g-3g-experience-tickets-1086958695719?aff=oddtdtcreator.

6.30-8.00pm GMT

There will be an introduction by Ido van der Heijden. All Network members are invited to attend. Please note that Members need not have attended the first meeting to participate in this event. Please book your place by emailing davidwirth@secondgeneration.org.uk

“Does early life trauma biologically impact on offspring unto the Second and subsequent generations?” (with apologies to Exodus 34:7)
Jonathan Seckl trained in Medicine and Science in London and has been Professor of Medicine in Edinburgh since 1995. His research addresses the role of the stress hormone cortisol in foetal life, notably in ‘programming’ the risk of subsequent adult disease. He has described epigenetic mechanisms whereby cortisol exposure before birth, permanently changes the biology of the offspring. He has studied the impact of the Holocaust and the 9/11 atrocity on cortisol in survivors and their offspring. Recently, he ‘enjoyed’ the stress of a decade as Senior Vice-Principal at the University of Edinburgh. After Professor Seckl’s presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To book  www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transgenerational-transmission-of-trauma-with-jonathan-seckl-tickets-1058764335629

We are offering a six-week continuation course with Nick Barlay for those individuals who have completed the original course. It will give participants the opportunity to share work-in-progress, get feedback from Nick, review each others’ work, and raise questions about the challenges faced. Aspects of the course will include: Writing (representing, describing, using historical or other research), Structuring (organising, framing, finding direction), and Coping with Material. The aim is to keep the project’s momentum going, to prevent the project from stalling or anything like ‘writer’s block’ from interfering with the
process.
The maximum number of participants will be 10; minimum 4. The course will cost £120.
Dates: Thursdays, 10th, 24th October BST, 31st October and 7th, 14th and 21st, November GMT.  In terms of the timings stated above, those living abroad should note that British Summer Time ends partway through.
If you are interested, please register with Nick at nickbarlay@gmail.com
To pay the fee, go to: www.familyhistorywritingcourse.co.uk
If you have any questions, please contact: info@secondgeneration.org.uk

The Network is currently planning a joint hybrid event with the Wiener Holocaust Library. 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the 1944 mass deportations of Jews from the provincial areas and cities of Hungary outside the capital, 90% to be murdered upon arrival in Auschwitz. An historical perspective will be provided as well as considering the impact on the Second and Third Generations. If you would like to participate in this event by sharing your experiences and feelings about this part of your family history as a Member of the Second or Third Generation, please contact davidwirth@secondgeneration.org.uk.. Booking details to follow.