Eighty years after the liberation of Belgium and the end of Second World War, a pilot project by CegeSoma/State Archives has consolidated all information on Belgian resistance onto one platform.
From 21 October, the national resistance database will be accessible to everyone. The "Resistance in Belgium" platform allows users to search for information on the Belgian resistance. This initiative aligns with the mission of CegeSoma, Belgium’s expertise centre for 20th-century conflicts, focusing on research, public history projects, and archive management.
There are already several scientific and societal initiatives related to the history of the resistance, such as the Resistance History Network, the new Chair of Resistance Traces (VUB), colloquia, and publications. However, this platform makes all information available online for the first time.
The platform includes information on over 42,000 individuals about whom the State Security has compiled files related to “Intelligence and Action Services.” Over time, new data will be added, particularly concerning the status of resistance fighters through clandestine press, armed resistance, and civilian resistance. Eventually, the database will cover more than 200,000 individuals, drawing from over 350,000 individual files.
The platform serves the general public and also meets research and analysis needs. It complements the thematic portal developed by CegeSoma on the Second World War in Belgium: Belgium WWII (www.belgiumwwii.be). “The ‘Resistance in Belgium’ platform is an indispensable tool for anyone interested in the history of resistance fighters and the resistance in Belgium during World War II,” say the founders.
The platform is accessible at resistanceinbelgium.be.
