PPSF WORKSHOP 2: Social Responsibility & Community Engagement in Remembrance

23-24 April 2026, Museum of the Second World War, Gdańsk, Poland

How can remembrance institutions strengthen their connection with local communities while ensuring that the memory of World War II remains relevant, inclusive, and socially responsible?

These questions are at the centre of PPSF Workshop 2: Social Responsibility & Community Engagement in Remembrance, a two-day workshop bringing together heritage professionals, museum practitioners, and sustainability experts at the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk.

Organised as part of the Preserving the Past, Securing the Future (PPSF) project, the workshop will explore the social role of remembrance and examine how heritage institutions can foster stronger relationships with local communities through participation, collaboration, and shared stewardship of memory.

What to Expect

The workshop programme combines expert-led discussions, practical exercises, and immersive learning experiences designed specifically for professionals working in the remembrance and cultural heritage sector. The opening sessions will reflect on the outcomes of the first PPSF workshop on environmental sustainability, including the presentation and awarding of the top participant initiatives inspired by earlier learnings. Participants will then explore key themes surrounding social responsibility in heritage management during a session led by sustainability experts from Mascontour.

Through interactive discussions and practical examples, participants will examine how remembrance institutions can engage local communities more effectively, encourage participation, and create inclusive approaches to memory culture.

A central part of the programme is the study tour of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, where participants will gain insight into the museum’s work, experiences, and approaches to public engagement. Reflection sessions and collaborative exercises will help connect practical observations with broader theoretical discussions on social responsibility in remembrance practice.

Why Attend?

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Explore the social dimension of sustainability within remembrance and heritage work.
• Learn practical approaches to community engagement and participatory remembrance.
• Exchange experiences and ideas with professionals from across Europe.
• Participate in activities to critically assess and accessibility barriers in museums
• Reflect on how museums and memorial sites can foster inclusive and meaningful dialogue.
• Develop new perspectives and strategies that can be applied within their own organisations.

The workshop will conclude with interactive reflection sessions and evaluations, followed by an alternative guided city tour of Gdańsk.

By combining expert knowledge, collaborative learning, and real-world case studies, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen the social impact of remembrance institutions and contribute to a more connected and responsible future for WWII heritage.