The International Coalition of Sites of Conscience was founded in 1999 with the radical idea that historic sites had an obligation to draw a connection between the history of their sites and their contemporary implications. Today, we are more than 200 museums, historic sites, parks, memory projects, archives, documentation centers, and memorials around the world.  Whether remembering an era centuries or decades ago, Sites of Conscience begin by facing all aspects of our history: stories of great cruelty, great courage, or everyday life. But we go a step further, activating the historical perspective with public dialogue on related issues we face today and what we can do about them. I will explore what it means to be a Site of Conscience in practice today, sharing a few of the ways that Sites of Conscience pick up the unfinished work of societies, serve as safe spaces to tell multiple stories in contentious environments, and provide a platform for individuals to share their stories.

Julieta Cuéllar is the Global Networks Program Manager at the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience where she supports global exchange and learning as well as the development and implementation of global programs for the Coalition’s members around the world.  Julieta is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Eastern European studies.  She also attended the Institut d’études politiques de Paris and the School of International Training.  Julieta’s studies and research have focused on the politics of memory in Serbia and the Balkans.