# Tracking the Past at Übersee-Museum
**Wikidata**: [Q107168844](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107168844)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tracking-the-past-at-ubersee-museum

## Summary
Tracking the Past at Übersee-Museum is a digital museum project launched by the Übersee-Museum Bremen, exploring colonial history through interviews, films, and provenance research. It provides insights into the museum’s collections and the stories behind them, emphasizing transparency and public engagement. The project was recognized in the 2020 DigAMus Award for its social media initiatives.

## Key Facts
- **Creator**: Übersee-Museum Bremen.
- **Website**: https://museumsfragen.uebersee-museum.de/ (in German).
- **Launch Year**: Participated in the DigAMus Award in 2020.
- **Format**: Combines interviews, films, and archival research.
- **Focus Areas**: Provenance research, taxidermy, restoration, curation, and colonial history.
- **Image Source**: Hosted on Wikimedia Commons (screenshot of the project’s interface).
- **Related Domains**: Museum studies, digital humanities, and colonial legacy.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Tracking the Past at Übersee-Museum?
A: The project aims to critically examine the Übersee-Museum’s colonial-era collections through interviews with experts like curators, restorers, and taxidermists, fostering dialogue about provenance and history.

### Q: When was the project recognized for its work?
A: It participated in the 2020 DigAMus Award in the category "Social Media Actions," highlighting its innovative digital engagement strategies.

### Q: Is the project available in English?
A: The primary website and content are in German, reflecting its focus on local and national audiences.

## Why It Matters
Tracking the Past at Übersee-Museum is significant for its role in addressing colonial histories through a modern, transparent lens. By digitizing stories behind artifacts and involving experts like restorers and curators, the project demystifies museum practices and encourages public reflection on cultural heritage. Its participation in the 2020 DigAMus Award underscores its contribution to digital museum innovation, particularly in leveraging social media to reach broader audiences. The initiative also sets a precedent for institutions grappling with ethical questions about colonial-era collections, demonstrating how research and storytelling can reconcile past practices with contemporary values.

## Notable For
- **Interdisciplinary Approach**: Integrates interviews with diverse experts (curators, taxidermists, restorers) to contextualize artifacts.
- **Digital Innovation**: Utilizes film and web-based platforms to make complex historical research accessible.
- **Award Recognition**: Featured in the 2020 DigAMus Award for social media engagement, highlighting its outreach impact.
- **Provenance Focus**: Prioritizes transparency about the origins of colonial-era collections, addressing ethical concerns in museology.

## Body
### Project Overview
Tracking the Past at Übersee-Museum is a digital initiative launched by the Übersee-Museum Bremen, designed to explore the histories and ethical dimensions of its colonial-era collections. The project centers on multimedia content, including filmed interviews with museum professionals such as curators, restorers, and taxidermists, who share insights into their work and the artifacts’ backgrounds.

### Content and Features
- **Interviews and Films**: The website hosts discussions with experts, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on museum operations and provenance research.
- **Archival Research**: Emphasizes the importance of archival depositories in understanding artifact origins and colonial contexts.
- **Language**: Content is primarily in German, tailored to local and national audiences interested in colonial history and museology.

### Awards and Recognition
In 2020, the project was featured in the DigAMus Award’s "Social Media Actions" category. This recognition, documented on the DigAMus Award website, highlights its effective use of digital platforms to engage the public with sensitive historical topics.

### Historical Context
The Übersee-Museum Bremen, established in the 19th century, has long faced questions about its colonial legacy. This project represents a contemporary effort to address those critiques through transparency and dialogue, reflecting broader shifts in the museum sector toward accountability and inclusivity.

## References

1. [Source](https://digamus-award.de/einreichungen/)