Visit for schools
We cordially invite school classes and groups to discover the impressive stories and learn from history together with us. A visit to the Soviet War Cemetery and the Soviet War Cemetery Experience is anything but boring. It is a unique and educational experience, supported by modern technology. During this experience you will not only experience the history of the Second World War, but also the connection with the Soviet Union and the Cold War.
An educational experience
At the Soviet War Cemetery Foundation, we believe it is important to teach our visitors something. What can students learn from a visit to the Soviet War Cemetery Experience?
Second World War
The various peoples of the Soviet Union made the greatest sacrifices in the fight against Nazi Germany. More than 26 million people were killed in the war. The impact on millions of families was great and is still felt today, especially among families of soldiers who are still missing in action. We tell the ‘big’ history through small, personal stories. And we connect then to now.
Soviet Union
What was the Soviet Union anyway? Most people immediately think of Russia, but that does not do justice to the contribution of the Uzbeks, for example. Did you know that more Uzbeks died during the Second World War than Americans? The Soviet War Cemetery contains not only Russians and Uzbeks, but also many Ukrainians, Georgians, Kazakhs, and Armenians. In our museum, we provide information about the Soviet Union and its various peoples.
Cold War
How could the soldiers at the Soviet War Cemetery be so forgotten that it was not until the year 2000 that a soldier was identified and a family traced? This is mainly due to the Cold War. After the Second World War, the soldiers at the War Cemetery were seen as representatives of our new enemy and thus became our ‘forgotten’ ally. Did you know that there was a fence around the War Cemetery topped with barbed wire and that visitors sometimes received a visit from the police because they might have had communist sympathies? We will tell you about it in our museum.
Citizenship
The young Amersfoort citizen Remco Reiding could not bear the fact that 865 forgotten war victims were buried in his hometown. He tried to identify them and trace their families. A fine example of active citizenship.
The stories of the soldiers and their relatives remind us of the sacrifices made for our freedom and deserve to be passed on to future generations. We encourage students to actively contribute to commemoration.
Exclusion, propaganda and the rule of law
What can happen if you judge people based on their origins or appearance? In 1941/1942, the Nazis brought 101 Soviet soldiers to Amersfoort. They had slit eyes, dark skin and a different skull structure. They hoped that the Dutch would choose the side of Nazi Germany when they saw these ‘sub-humans’.
In Camp Amersfoort they had to do the hardest work, while constantly being beaten. Without a court ruling, the last 77 were shot dead. We explain how the exclusion of groups of people and propaganda in a broken rule of law can have disastrous consequences.
Come to our museum
A visit thus offers a valuable addition to themes such as citizenship, history and international relations. By experiencing the personal story of the forgotten Soviet soldiers, history becomes tangible and their stories continue to live on in our collective memory.
What to expect?
By means of interactive (VR) and inspiring personal stories, we take students on a fascinating journey through the past, in a way that really appeals. In this manner, we make history not only understandable, but also relevant. Visits can take place in consultation both in the morning and in the evening, so that we can always find a time that suits you. You are of course also welcome in the afternoon during regular opening hours.
Custom made
We are happy to discuss options to offer custom solutions. For example, a visit to the Soviet Field of Honor Experience and the Soviet Field of Honor can also be combined very well with a lesson program at school, a tour or guest lecture or a visit to another location in the area.
What else do we do?
- We give tours to school classes and guest lectures at school.
- Students can actively participate in commemorations and gatherings.
- We are open to community internships or help with school assignments.
Check out the flyer and the introductory video of our lesson programme for inspiration and/or contact us via educatie@sovjet-ereveld.nl.
