For the general public

Are you interested in politics and history, but don’t want to just learn about random names, dates, and concepts? Step outside the traditional classroom and take on the role of an active historical investigator. In our immersive workshop, History in the Making, you will dive into real archival materials, examine primary sources, and tackle the actual dilemmas that shaped our world. You will work in small teams to investigate guiding questions about democracy, civic responsibility, and what it takes to navigate the complexities of our modern society.

No prior background or specialized expertise is needed. Guided by instructors Dr. Mukerjee and Mr. Davis, you will learn how to look past surface-level facts, evaluate sources for bias, and practice perspective-taking by putting yourself in the shoes of people who made monumental choices in the past. Through hands-on challenges—like digital archive scavenger hunts and policy debates—you will sharpen your research skills, build confidence in defending your ideas, and connect historical decisions directly to the political questions and polarization shaping Germany today. Hosted at the DAI—an institution recognized by the Stiftung Orte der Deutschen Demokratiegeschichte for its commitment to democratic literacy—this is your chance to build real civic resilience.

Sharpen your critical thinking, discover lesser-known stories from the past, and see how your own voice fits into the future of civic life. Ready to take on the challenge? Sign up today to secure your spot in our next workshop!