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Photographing Captivity: History and Memory(ies) of World War II Prisoner of War Camps

Photo : © ECPAD / Fonds Jean A. Fortier /Jean Albert Fortier.

Nov 8Free (conditions)

Photographing Captivity: History and Memory(ies) of World War II Prisoner of War Camps

Hidden history awaits as you explore the visual chronicles of World War II prisoners behind the lens of rare archival photography. Historians and experts peel back layers of memory to reveal how captivity shaped both human daily life and collective remembrance in these isolated camps. Join this moving conversation to uncover stories that have remained in the shadows for far too long.

Mémorial de la Shoah de Drancy

Event website

About

The Mémorial de la Shoah in Drancy invites you on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 16:00 to 18:00, to uncover the history of Frontstalag 111, a prisoner-of-war camp once located at the Cité de la Muette. Through photographs, archives, and testimonies, experts will examine the daily lives, cultural activities, and memories of prisoners during the Second World War. This event is free with prior reservation and suitable for ages 12 and up. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring a welcoming environment for all participants interested in this lesser-known chapter of history.

It is little known, but the Cité de la Muette in Drancy was also a prisoner of war camp known as Frontstalag 111. Starting from this example and several others, our guests will use archives, photographs, and testimonies to explore the daily lives of prisoners of war during World War II: detention conditions, cultural and artistic practices, captivity experiences, and the construction of memories. A dive into a still largely unknown history, illuminated by the richness of visual sources.

With the presence of Margaux Blondel, project manager at the Establishment for Communication and Audiovisual Production of Defense, Lior Lalieu, head of the photo library service at the Shoah Memorial, and Alexandre Millet, historian.

In partnership with the ONaCVG and the ECPAD.

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Our take on this event

Explore the visual and historical records of the Second World War during this insightful afternoon at the Mémorial de la Shoah in Drancy. The discussion focuses on Frontstalag 111, a prisoner-of-war camp established at the Cité de la Muette, shedding light on a site often remembered only for its role in the Holocaust. Speakers will analyze detention conditions and the artistic practices that emerged among prisoners, providing a comprehensive look at their daily experience.

The session features contributions from Margaux Blondel (ECPAD), Lior Lalieu (Mémorial de la Shoah), and historian Alexandre Millet. Drawing from rare visual archives, the panel will examine how these experiences shaped historical memory. This event is organized in partnership with ONaCVG and ECPAD.

The conference takes place on November 8, 2026, from 16:00 to 18:00. While admission is free, booking a spot in advance is mandatory. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users, and the content is appropriate for visitors aged 12 and older.

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