Cercil, Holocaust memorial museum in Orléans, France
Cercil is a museum in Orléans dedicated to documenting internment camps that operated in the Loiret region during World War II. It features exhibition galleries, archive areas, and educational spaces for visitors.
During World War II, the French government operated several internment camps in the region between 1941 and 1945, including Beaune-la-Rolande, Pithiviers, and Jargeau. Thousands of people were held there before being deported for extermination.
The museum preserves memories of people who were held in camps across the region by displaying their personal items, photographs, and letters. These objects help visitors connect with the individual stories behind what happened.
The museum is open on most weekdays and allows visitors to explore its archives and exhibitions at their own pace. It is helpful to check opening times in advance and allow enough time for your visit.
The center offers specialized programs that help visitors analyze propaganda photographs and reconstruct individual family histories using original archival documents. This hands-on work with historical materials creates deeper connections to the documented events.
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