The history of the CentreFrom Centre for Research and Studies on the History of the Second World War to Centre for Historical Research and Documentation on War and Contemporary Society

The Centre for Research and Studies on the History of the Second Word War was founded on 13 December 1967. Its task was “to take all necessary measures to collect, preserve and study documents or archives relating to the Second World War in Belgium, its antecedents, background and consequences” [Moniteur Belge (Belgian law gazette)], 10 February 1968, n° 29, p. 1259-1260). Originally, the Centre was attached to the General Archives and was placed under the direction of the Department of National Education.

In 1969, a team of six researchers commenced its activities laying down the essential milestones which were to pave the way for a number of pioneering studies on the Second World War. In 1971, in collaboration with Jules Gérard-Libois, José Gotovitch published the reference work L'An 40. From the onset, the Centre was a member of the International Committee for the History of the Second World War.

 

Parallel with its research activities, the Centre concerned itself with building archival collections from the period 1939-1945 and the constitution of a rich library which gradually expands its collections domain.

 

From the 1980s, to create a link with the academic circles, the Centre organises monthly seminars and from 1990 onwards it holds international symposia. Increasingly, the Centre carries out its own research projects.

 

On 10 January 1997, the Centre for Research and Studies on the History of the Second World War changed its name to Centre for Historical Research and Documentation on War and Contemporary Society. Its field of activities has extended to the history of the XXth century (see Mission).

 

Today, the total personnel of the Centre is just over fourty persons, including a permanent scientific staff with seven permanent researchers, one ICT manager and the Director.

The reading room of the Place de Louvain, in the nineteen eighties.

Reading room (square de l'Aviation)

The hall of the building on the Square de l'Aviation where the Centre is presently located.