Russia, Archives and Restitution

Seminar on the possible restitution of Dutch and Belgian archives by Russia, Monday, September 24 2001, 14.00 - 16.00

Programme

'Introduction: the Dutch Archives: Past Experience and Prospects':

'Results and Failures. The Restitution of Looted Belgian Collections (1944-1967)': Jacques Lust

'Back from Nowhere : The Restitution of Looted Belgian Collections (1991-2001)': Michel Vermote

'Russia's "Trophy" Archives: An Update on Restitution Issues': Patricia Kennedy Grimsted


Queen Beatrix's state visit to Russia early in June this year provided an impetus for dealing with the restitution of archival materials taken from the Netherlands during World War II. The Russian authorities decided to return 22 of the 31 collections and promised that the remainder will be returned after inventories have been compiled.

Dr Patricia Kennedy Grimsted, who recently visited Russia and the Ukraine, will provide current information about the situation in Russia.

The state of affairs in Belgium will be discussed by Jacques Lust, member of the Parlementaire Studiecommissie joodse goederen (Parliamentary commission for the study of Jewish possessions), and Michel Vermote, Amsab-Instituut voor Sociale Geschiedenis (Amsab Institute of Social History).

Patricia Kennedy Grimsted is Senior Research Associate of the Ukrainian Research Institute, Harvard University, coordinator of the ArcheoBiblioBase directory and bibliographic database for Russian and Ukrainian archives, and fellow of the International Institute of Social History, Amsterdam.

The seminar will be conducted in English, and is intended for those directly involved in the restitution question in the Netherlands. The number of seats is limited.

Subscriptions by e-mail to: Huub Sanders ()