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The outbreak of the First World War, one hundredth years ago, was the reason for the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History [Koninklijk Legermuseum] to carry out a thorough refurbishment of the infamous Trench of Death visitor centre. On the basis of extensive historical research, the visitor route has been completely renewed. All kinds of interactive features are now available to visitors to tell them everything they would like to know about the Trench of Death and, in the process, a number of persistent historical myths about this valuable site are finally put to bed. The museum is no longer dark and dingy but, instead, a modern and interactive visitor centre with a focus on authenticity. With visitors are experts or not, the Trench of Death is now ready to be discovered.
It goes without saying that the renovated Trench of Death Interpretation Centre uses the most modern museum techniques available. It has fifteen interactive applications, texts, photos, film images and unique objects from the collections of the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History to guide visitors through the fascinating history of the Trench of Death.
Not only does the Interpretation Centre explain how the Trench of Death came about and what exactly happened in this notorious trench, it is also placed in a new context. After all, there is a direct relationship between this trench and the German trenches close by. Original photos, objects and fragments from diaries are used to illustrate, for the first time, the German side of the story.
A place where residents and visitors can get inspired to go out in the municipality of Doetinchem and the Achterhoek.
Director Esther Ruesen expresses her proud of the transformation: “Visitors expect more and more experience and with this Inspiration Point, we are responding to this. We also will give tips on how to experience the self, based on the stories of Doetinchem. I am incredibly proud of our volunteers and everyone elso who made this a success. Doetinchem as centre of the municipality of the Achterhoek now has a physical place that does justice to the many opportunities we have to offer.”
Photo: Hip en Stijl Fotografie
