with Jonathan Matthews, former Head of Yad Vashem's Photo Archives

April 9^th, 2024 at 2:30 - 3:30 PM CET

The European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI) and partner Yad Vashem invite you to a unique online lecture, which will discuss and dissect ongoing and new issues within the world of Holocaust photography collections. 

The lecture is aimed at (photo) archivists, historians or researchers working with photographs.

Photographs provide unique insights into the history of the Holocaust and have proven to be a critical source for both research and educational purposes. Managing a collection of visual material on the Holocaust, however, presents various methodological challenges. Some of the central issues include: organization of the materials, handling of digital material, and how the interpretations and growing research concerning photographic materials result in revelations that may change the manner in which a photograph is contextualized by the archivist. In addition, the significant advancements of artificial intelligence create new challenges in ensuring the authenticity of visual material. 

The collection of historical photographs at Yad Vashem is the largest in the world dealing with the Holocaust. Jonathan Matthews gained vast experiences in managing this collection of more than 500,000 photos which covers prewar Jewish life, the events of the Holocaust, and the immediate aftermath, such as life in the DP camps and postwar emigration. He will share his knowledge with you in the EHRI online lecture on 9 April.

Private Clinic Sessions! In addition to this lecture, institutions have the opportunity to sign up for a 1:1 meeting with Jonathan, to advise on any issues or challenges they face.  If you are interested in this service, please sign up in the lecture's registration, and detail the specific challenge your institute faces. Spots are limited.

Date: 9 April, 2:30-3:30 PM CET.

Online via Zoom

The online lecture is free, but requires registration.

Please register here.

For more information, you can send an email to Hailey.Sharon-Dilman@yadvashem.org.il

Image: Yad Vashem, Jonathan Matthews at work in the Photo Archives