The Foundation Stones Map allows people to explore the stones in
3D in locations across the country and listen to the stories
behind them.
Of over 10,000 Foundation Stones painted for our UK Holocaust
Memorial in London by members of the public to date, 28 stones
with stories have been chosen to feature on an immersive map. The
Foundation Stones Map allows people to explore the stones in 3D
in locations across the country and listen to the stories behind
them narrated by award winning actor Juliet Stevenson.
From a whole village in Norfolk coming together to paint 150
stones to a 98-year-old woman in London paying tribute to her
mother murdered in Auschwitz, the trail winds its way to London
where the UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre will be
built. People can turn the 3D stones to see all around them and
listen to the stories and words of the people who painted them.
, Co-Chair of the UK Holocaust
Memorial Foundation, said:
Every stone on this trail has a story or message for our new UK
Holocaust Memorial in London. We’re incredibly moved and proud
that people from across the UK are supporting the Memorial, not
only in their hearts but with their hands through painting stones
which will become part of the memorial as it is built. We are
truly building a national memorial together.
, Co-Chair of the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation,
adds:
By exploring the trail, you discover the British public’s
emotional connections to the history of the Holocaust, from
families lost to the resilience of survivors. The Holocaust is
part of the British story. Discover connections to liberators,
aid workers and campaigners in communities up and down the
country.
The Foundation Stones Map is part of the Foundation Stones
project, run by community engagement organisation Big Ideas in partnership
with the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation. Inspired by the Jewish
custom of placing stones on graves and headstones, every stone
will become part of the Memorial and is a promise to remember the
past and build a future free from hate.
The Foundation Stones Map has been made possible with the support
of Google.org. The first trail ‘The British Story’ launches
today. A subsequent trail called ‘A Future Free From Hate’ with a
focus on subsequent genocides and standing up against all forms
of discrimination will be released later in the year.
Rowan Barnett, Head of Google.org, Europe, Middle East &
Africa, said:
The story of so many families, including my own, is intertwined
with the history of the Holocaust. We all have a shared
responsibility to promote Holocaust remembrance, and it’s vital
that we work together with governments and civil society to do
that, as well as striving to combat antisemitism and ensuring a
future free from hate. That’s why Google.org is delighted to
support the Foundation Stones project.
Foundation
Stones invites everyone to paint a stone for the UK Holocaust
Memorial and Learning Centre to remember the six million Jewish
men, women and children murdered in the Holocaust and all other
victims of Nazi persecution. People can also dedicate their
stones to those murdered in subsequent genocides in Cambodia,
Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. People have until Holocaust Memorial
Day on 27th January 2023 to take part.
