Zentrum fir politesch Bildung

How can we pass on the memory of the Second World War to younger generations in a time when direct family links to that era are gradually fading? How can we make a history that often seems distant, abstract, or complex more accessible? These are the questions that the National Museum of Military History, the National Museum of Resistance and Human Rights, and the Zentrum fir politesch Bildung Foundation aim to answer with the 50 Faces – 50 Stories project, supported by Œuvre Nationale.

Conceived as a tangible, sensitive, and accessible educational tool, this initiative takes the form of a box containing 60 illustrated cards. Each card features the portrait and biography of a person who lived through that time in Luxembourg—civilians, children, soldiers, well-known figures, and everyday people alike. Through these unique stories, history becomes human and personal.

Launched in 2021 with an initial German version, the project received wide acclaim. An English version followed in 2023, and a French edition is currently being finalized, enriched with ten new biographies. These cards are designed for use in various educational settings: in classrooms, workshops, and museum spaces. They can also be used in other contexts, by audiences of all ages. A complementary traveling exhibition and catalog edition allow for a broader engagement with the project.

The first edition of the project quickly sold out, confirming the original intuition: a human-centered approach to history can create a strong connection between young people and the past. By moving away from a grand narrative and toward personal stories, 50 Faces – 50 Stories contributes to meaningful civic education grounded in the values of democracy, pluralism, and respect for fundamental rights.

Although the project was implemented without major difficulties, the unexpected success posed a logistical challenge: responding to strong demand while maintaining high pedagogical and graphic quality. The project team placed great importance on making each story understandable, accessible, and anchored in the country's reality.

Beyond the transmission of historical knowledge, the project reflects a broader goal: to foster a culture of democracy through a deeper understanding of the past. Each biography represents not only an act of remembrance, but also a springboard for reflection on the present.
 

Convinced that difficult topics can be approached with fairness and humanity, the National Museum of Military History, the National Museum of Resistance and Human Rights, and the Zentrum fir politesch Bildung see the success of the project as a validation of this approach. By telling history differently, 50 Faces – 50 Stories provides keys to better understanding our society—and acting within it with awareness.