Plan for Memorial Development at the Jungfernhof concentration camp

  • In July 2024, Scientists used Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) technologies to located foundational stones for the barracks, existing on land adjacent to the public park, zoned for housing. Built by Jewish prisoners for Jewish prisoners in late spring 1942 following the Dünamünde Action, the remains of this building represent the only evidence of Jews inhabiting the land.

  • In March 2025, the Jewish community in Latvia commissioned Karen Frostig to create the concept and design for a permanent memorial at the Jungfernhof concentration camp site. The memorial will have three components:

    • A large-scale iconic object of significance made from blackened steel referencing the barracks as an interim resting place.

    • A naming memorial comprised of four panels made from glass or comparable material, etched with the names of 3836 murdered victims imprisoned at the camp. Accuracy of names, spelling, and spatial layout of names, to include the names of 149 survivors will be addressed.

    • Recovered stones, exposed, belonging to the foundational stones of the barracks. The layout of the stones will determine the perimeter of the memorial.

    • Landscaping and signage.

  • In May, 2025, Karen visited Riga and with Ilya Lensky’s assistance, met a number of local leaders and representatives: the acting director of the Monuments Office, Deputy Chair of the Jewish Community, university professors and their students, local community center, political officer at the US Embassy, and received a tour of Latvia’s public art program in Riga.

  • Scientists return to site in July 2025 to uncover the foundational stones relevant to project and determine exact size of area to be used for memorial development

  • Meet with architects, memorial artists, writers, and cultural historians in the US.

  • Return to Latvia in the fall 2025 to nterview Latvian architects and artists for fabricating and installing the memorial.

  • Organize a core team of architects/ fabrication artists/ engineers.

  • Develop architectural drawings and a 3-D model for memorial.

  • Develop animated video for memorial development situated at the site.

  • Create a budget based on design, scale, and materials. Will work with Latvian architects and materials produced in Latvia for memorial development.

  • Establish funding sources and partnerships in Germany, Austria, Latvia, and the US, to include members of the descendant group.