Gerhard Junior (Goethe University Frankfurt)
The article examines the historical and current role of memory institutions, both in relation to the state and in a national and international context. It also explores the importance of memory institutions in the formation of national identity and the preservation of cultural heritage in Lithuania and worldwide. In particular, the interplay between state requirements and the autonomous efforts of memory institutions will be analysed. At the same time, an international perspective is adopted, in which case studies from various countries are cited according to the best practice approach. The article illustrates how technological and social change processes influence the work of memory institutions worldwide. Additionally, it highlights the role that memory institutions play in democracy, social coexistence, and sustainable development in different countries. On the one hand, it extracts the extent to which lessons can be learnt from different strategies. On the other hand, an outlook is given as to what developments can be expected in the future, and to what extent innovative solutions can contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage in the digital age. The aim is to develop strategies based on local and global findings that contribute to strengthening memory institutions and their role in society.