Unabridged chronology: 8th May, 1945 event

Prof. Dr. Arnd Bauerkaemper, a renowned historian specialising in German-German history and interpretations of National Socialism, will be speaking at a commemorative event in Detmold City Hall on May 8, 2025.

Born in Lage, Prof. Bauerkaemper studied and received his doctorate at the University of Bielefeld. His career in academia began at an unspecified date, and he served as a professor of modern and contemporary history at the Free University of Berlin until 2024.

The focus of Prof. Bauerkaemper's lecture will be the significance of May 8, 1945, for German history. This date marks the end of World War II in Europe, which brought about the collapse of National Socialism and paved the way for the division of Germany. The founding of the Federal Republic and the GDR followed in the aftermath of the war.

The event, moderated by city archivist Dr. Baerbel Sunderbrink and VHS director Claudia Biehahn, will take place in the small banquet hall of Detmold City Hall at 7 p.m. Admission to the event is free, and reservations can be made through the VHS at 05231 977 8010.

In 2012, Prof. Bauerkaemper published his book "The Controversial Memory: Remembering National Socialism, Fascism, and War in Europe since 1945". His research continues to shed light on the complexities of German history, offering insights that are both thought-provoking and essential for understanding the country's past.

Prof. Bauerkaemper's lecture promises to be an enlightening and poignant reflection on a pivotal moment in German history. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with one of Germany's leading historians and gain a deeper understanding of the events that have shaped the country's identity.

While information about Prof. Bauerkaemper's earlier academic affiliations and his career history before becoming a professor at the Free University of Berlin is not available, his contributions to the field of history are undeniable. His work continues to resonate, and his forthcoming lecture in Detmold is sure to be a highlight for history enthusiasts and the general public alike.