in detail
Edmond Michelet (1899-1970) settled after the First World War in Brive-la-Gaillarde, where he became director of the Catholic youth organization ACJF (Action Catholique de la Jeunesse Française) in the 1920s. In view of the rise of National Socialism, he became active in several resistance organizations from June 1940 under the pseudonym »Duval«. In February 1943, he was arrested and deported to the Dachau Concentration Camp. After the war, he was a parliamentary representative and Minister for Veterans (1958-59), Minister of Justice (1959-60) and Minister for Culture (1969-70). At the beginning of the 1970s, his widow Marie Michelet and the »Edmond Michelet Brotherhood« started an initiative to set up a study centre for the history of the Second World War, the R ésistance and deportations, for which Marie Michelet donated the family house.
In addition to other activities, the centre, which opened in 1976, has a permanent exhibition with seven topics: 1. The Christian and Statesman Edmond Michelet, 2. Resistance, 3. Occupation, 4. Deportations, 5. Human Rights, 6. Second World War, and 7. War Propaganda Posters.
The Edmond Michelet Study Centre, which opened in 1976 in Brive-la-Gaillarde, sees itself as a place of learning and of contemplation about the history of the Second World War, about the resistance and deportations. It commemorates the Christian, resistance fighter and politician Edmond Michelet (1899-1970), whose wife donated the family house as a study centre after the death of her husband.
Edmond Michelet (1899–1970)
June 1940
First participation in resistance operations under the pseudonym ‘Duval’.
1942
Leader in Region 5 of the MUR (‘Mouvements unis de la résistance’; United Movement of the Resistance).
25 February 1943
Arrest by the German police and deportation to Dachau.
29 April 1945
After the camp was liberated, Michelet became the French representative in the International Committee for the Repatriation of French and Spanish Prisoners.
1945 to 1970
Parliamentary representative and at times, minister.
Beginning of the 1970s
Initiative by his widow, Marie Michelet and the Edmond Michelet Brotherhood to set up a study centre for the history of the Second World War, the Résistance and deportations.
8 May 1976
Opening of the Study Centre.
Brive-la-Gaillarde, 13 April 1941, Edmond Michelet with his family in front of his house, Edmond Michelet Study Centre.
Brive-la-Gaillarde, 2004, The Edmond Michelet Study Centre today, Edmond Michelet Study Centre.
Brive-la-Gaillarde, February 2002, A school class visits the Study Centre, Edmond Michelet Study Centre.
