Heritages of Hunger: Societal Reflections on Past European Famines in Education, Commemoration and Musealisation

Europe’s recent crises have sparked Euro-scepticism and anti-immigration sentiments. Heritages of Hunger aimed to overcome divisions by reassessing education about famines (1845-1947) and developing resources to strengthen trans-European heritage consciousness. The project, led by Radboud University, Wageningen University & Research and NIOD, investigated famine legacies in textbooks, museums, and commemorations, highlighting resilience and transnational solidarity. It created educational modules, a digital exhibition, and a database of famine legacies. Surveys and interviews with educators informed the development of resources to foster historical empathy and transnational identities. The project culminated in policy recommendations and tested educational materials.