Workshop: Uncovering the Past to Shape the Future, August 19-20, 2024, International Social Service (ISS), Geneva, Switzerland

A group of researchers from nine countries in the HIDDEN network met in a quiet and scholarly atmosphere for a unique and important mission—to research the archives of the International Social Service (ISS) to uncover stories of identity documentation, citizenship and migrant assistance in modern Europe. This dedicated group is preparing a a journal special issue drawing from the rich and complex history preserved within these archives.

We are grateful to Dr. Jean Ayoub, representing the ISS General Secretariat for working with HIDDEN to develop guidelines for accessing the archives following best practice ethical guidelines and for hosting us. The workshop began with welcoming remarks from key figures in this effort., Dr. Jennifer Redmond from HIDDEN, and Dr. Francesca Piana of UniTrento, set the tone for the day, highlighting the significance of the work ahead and the shared responsibility to preserve and interpret the narratives contained within the archives. HIDDEN is extremely grateful to Dr. Piana for organizing the workshop in conjunction with the Chair of HIDDEN and the staff of the ISS secretariat in Geneva.

The main objective of the workshop is to prepare a publication in a peer reviewed, internationally ranked journal to help to develop the publication outputs for HIDDEN and to boost the profile of our early career researchers in the network. Led by Dr. Jennifer Redmond (Chair) and Dr. Aisling Shalvey (Vice Chair), the discussion cantered around the themes and goals for this publication. Participants were guided through the intricacies of the archives, gaining insights into the structure and contents of the ISS collections. Each researcher then had the opportunity to examine the archival documents based on their individual research preferences and needs. As ISS has operated for the past one hundred years in countries across the world, the archive has the potential to facilitate national and transnational historical analyses and that will be a feature of the future publication.

The work done in the workshop will ensure that these historical narratives are brought to the forefront of academic and public discourse. The atmosphere was one of quiet concentration, punctuated by moments of discovery and the occasional exchange of findings among colleagues. The workshop is a collaborative effort to preserve and interpret history, ensuring that the lessons and stories of the past continue to resonate in the future. There is a shared understanding that their work is not just about uncovering documents.. This is history in action, a living and breathing exploration of the past, and a testament to the enduring power of archival research.

HIDDEN is grateful to COST for bringing together a group of researchers and providing them with the opportunity to connect and engage in meaningful work.