A Collection is Returning: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Description

The Usakos Railway Workers' Collection – about 300 everyday objects of Namibian railway workers – originated around 1904 in the context of a colonial railway project in "Deutsch-Südwestafrika," present-day Namibia. The collection bears witness to the exploitation of land, resources, and people. At the same time, it is the historical and cultural heritage of the workers of that time. What does the museum do with such a collection? The search for answers leads to Usakos: the small town that emerged as a railway hub back then and where many descendants of the workers still live today. A shared vision is emerging: the return of the objects. How does a return process work? Who needs to be involved? And why can't the objects simply be sent back? On this tour, the project team provides insights into the return process and the themes of the exhibition. The exhibition guides visitors through milestones, detours, and challenges from different perspectives: from the curator, the project manager, and the mediator.