Shared History, Shared Data: Unlocking World War II Victim Databases for Public Engagement

This contribution discusses the development of the research database entitled Victims Among the Population in the Territory of the Republic of Slovenia During and Immediately After the Second World War [1], developed within the SIstory portal [2]. The collection is a systematic record of military and civilian persons who had the right of residence in the present-day Republic of Slovenia during the Second World War and the immediate post-war period (May 1940 – January 1946) and lost their lives due to wartime and (revolutionary) post-war violence or the consequences of war. Currently, there is data for more than 100,000 victims, representing 6,7% of the population at the time [3]. Each victim’s identity is documented through personal data and information on the circumstances of death, comprising a total of 25 metadata fields.

The database is the result of research conducted by the Institute of Contemporary History between 1997 and 2012 as part of four major research projects [4, 5, 6, 7]. Originally, the database was designed to compile data from various historical sources while ensuring the accuracy and veracity of records through rigorous verification. However, due to the sensitive nature of the information and the ongoing war- and ideologically-charged discourse surrounding the WWII in Slovenia, only partial data was made publicly accessible in the early project phases. Specifically, details on the death of victims and status classification were collected but omitted from the publicly available records.

Recent legislative changes and the commitment to open research and public engagement prompted a shift toward greater accessibility. As a result, the database has been redesigned to not only provide unrestricted access to previously limited data, but also to enable public participation. The updated version now allows users to contribute additional information, comments and personal narratives within designated layers, promoting a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to historical documentation.

User registration is required via phone number and can then enrich the existing dataset either by correcting existing records (with support from relevant literature and sources if available) or by entering data about a new victim. The structured layers within the database ensure a clear distinction between data verified by the Institute of Contemporary History (original database) and contributions of individual users or affiliated institutions.

This project contributes to preserving historical memory and increasing transparency through open data and citizen participation. By enabling the public the opportunity to provide additional information and corrections, it promotes a more comprehensive and inclusive record. The transition to open access supports both scientific research and broader public engagement. Combining verified data with user contributions, the database provides a balanced approach to documenting a complex historical period while fostering collaboration in historical research.