Historic(al) digital storytelling: keeping their stories alive

World War II ended just over 75 years ago, here in the Netherlands. War memorials and cemeteries are important historical landmarks to remember those times. They link the past to the present. They enable people to remember and respect the sacrifices of those who died, fought, participated or were otherwise affected. The 'Akkers van Margraten' website - created by Dutch independent digital creative agency 51North - is a moving timeline of the stories behind the war cemetery. From its original construction in 1944 to its present day: the only American military cemetery in the Netherlands.

The website is a remake of a Flash-based project created by 51North in 2007. In 2020 the Netherlands celebrated 75 years of liberation. In order to preserve the never-to-forget stories, the agency took the existing content and developed a new HTML5-based concept: they re-designed and reformatted everything, using a timeline concept, and making the experience even more compelling and interactive. Each year shares information about key events, eye-witness videos (from soldiers to residents), and pictures of that particular time.

The success factors for 51North weren’t measured by the number of website visits or conversion. They just wanted to help keeping the memories alive. No budget or time constraints. A meaningful and prestigious project. So everyone involved could put in the extra hours without a project manager watching the clock.

The project was commissioned by Provincie Limburg, Stichting MCAM and Stichting 75jaarbevrijdinglimburg.nl.