Joël Beck, president of SHAL, testifies.
What are the consequences of the Covid for the SHAL in terms of new research, the vulnerability of historians, the lack of money…?
Joël BECK : The situation is unusual. Our general assembly, which was recently held at the departmental museum of the War of 1870 and the Annexation in Gravelotte, is a first manifestation of this. Thus, the invitations were issued late to take into account any new health guidelines in the department. Anyway, the room was a little sparse, distancing obliges with compulsory wearing of the mask. The annual Moselle Study Day, which presents news about Moselle heritage and historical studies devoted to the Haut Pays, will soon be held in Audun-le-Tiche. It seemed important to us to maintain it, despite the difficulties, and to maintain a cultural action aimed at our members and the population in the territory. On the other hand, we had to adapt our program until the last moment, following the defection of vulnerable speakers. On the other hand, our almost century-old biannual magazine, The Lorrain Notebooks , has just been published and we are engaged in a series of events to commemorate the War of 1870.
Will the 150 years nourish new exhibitions, research, books? What remains to be known about this war and its consequences?
I was present at the Gravelotte Museum when the Minister Delegate came to the Minister of the Armed Forces, in charge of Memory and Veterans. She congratulated us on this occasion, personally, for our commitment to publicize the War of 1870 in Moselle. A traveling exhibition on this theme with the support of the Departmental Council and the War Museum of 1870 was organized in Gravelotte and Bitche… It is now available to the various interested partners. A conference in November and a publication are also planned. Finally, the six local sections also have an adapted program, such as that of Bitche with the presentation of the swords of Commander Teyssier to the town of Bitche, or that of Thionville with an exhibition at the Flea Tower and a conference.
When will a Youtube channel or podcasts? In short, when will the knowledge of SHAL be accessible on new media?
Founded in 1888, our venerable institution has already evolved a lot in recent years … Our news is visible on social networks and our work on a new website with the agenda and events of our sections (Thionville, Bitche, Audun, Sarrebourg, Sarreguemines, Pays de la Nied), our publications, the War of 1870, etc. We are considering intervening in other media in the future, even if the priority must remain research and contact in the field with history and archeology enthusiasts.
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