The Berengo Segre Foundation for Historical Research is born in Venice, an initiative that aims to become a point of reference for the enhancement of historical culture, seen as a shared heritage and an engine of civil development. On Wednesday, June 25 at 5 p.m., the official presentation open to the public will be held at Palazzo Giustinian-Lolin, headquarters of the Ugo and Olga Levi Foundation onlus.
Initiated by historian Renata Segre, the foundation was also created as a tribute to the work of her husband, Venetian professor Marino Berengo, whose research renewed Italian historiography, especially for its approach centered on social, urban and cultural history. The project is rooted in historical memory, but looks to the future, at a time when the role of History in public debate, education and training appears increasingly marginal.
The Foundation aims to bring historical knowledge back to the center of the cultural scene, making it accessible, inclusive and participatory. Its main goals include supporting scientific research and reviving the educational function of historical disciplines. The conviction behind the project is clear: only a society capable of critically interrogating its past is able to face future challenges with awareness. At a time when the humanities are in danger of being marginalized, the Berengo Segre Foundation stresses the urgency of equipping the historical discipline with effective tools to continue to generate knowledge, build critical sense and form aware citizens.
The logo of the Berengo Segre Foundation for Historical Research visually expresses the values that guide its action: History and Memory. Two distinct but closely related concepts, evoked through the symbolic union of the Paper and the Pen. “The paper represents History, emblem of the acquisition of knowledge. The pen, on the other hand, recalls Memory, the contribution of human intelligence, in all its forms and at any level,” explains the Foundation’s President, Renata Segre. Together, they represent the act of storytelling, reflection and preservation. A dexterity that transcends the physical gesture-whether on paper or through digital tools-and makes writing the medium through which History comes to life and Memory becomes testimony. “Thus conceived, the logo aims to restore the idea of History as the transmission of thought and Memory as the voice of personal experience,” Segre added.
The main objectives that the Berengo Segre Foundation intends to pursue include the enhancement and making available of its bibliographic and documentary heritage, consisting of published and unpublished works, correspondence, manuscripts, teaching materials and valuable sources also for the study of Judaism; the promotion of historical knowledge as a tool for critically interpreting the present; the support of a scientifically rigorous but accessible historical popularization to the general public; the renewal of teaching methodologies for the teaching of Italian and European history, with special attention to the involvement of the new generations; the funding of research through scholarships and awards, accompanying projects up to their publication and dissemination; and the building of collaborative networks with organizations and institutions engaged in the promotion of historical culture.
Among the first activities promoted are online training courses open to all, taught by expert teachers, for the acquisition of the basics of archival and library work, as well as workshops on academic writing, curated with special attention to linguistic and compositional form.
Full details on the Foundation’s initiatives will be available on the official website www.fondazioneberengosegre.org.
The presentation event of the Berengo Segre Foundation for Historical Research will be held on Wednesday, June 25, at 5 p.m. in Venice, at the headquarters of the Ugo and Olga Levi Foundation in Palazzo Giustinian Lolin. The meeting, titled Protection and Enhancement of Papers, will feature Renata Segre, President of the Berengo Segre Foundation; Giorgio Busetto, Director of the Ugo and Olga Levi Foundation and Board Member of the Berengo Segre Foundation; Stefano Campagnolo, Director of the National Central Library of Rome; and Andrea Erboso, Director of the State Archives of Venice.
The evening will conclude with a musical intervention by Barcelona-based pianist Sira Hernández, who will perform two of her compositions: Lamento per Primo Levi (2025) and Don’t Forget About That (2019).
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| Berengo Segre Foundation for Historical Research is born in Venice, dedicated to historical culture as a common good |
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