Memory of Mankind

Memory of Mankind (MOM) is an innovative preservation project located in Hallstatt, Austria, initiated in 2012 by ceramicist Martin Kunze. The project aims to safeguard the knowledge of contemporary civilization by inscribing information on durable ceramic tablets, which are then stored in the historic Hallstatt salt mine, the oldest continuously exploited mine in the world. Participants from around the globe can contribute texts and images, creating a collective archive that serves as a 'time capsule' for future generations. The project emphasizes the importance of preserving a representative fragment of today's information, critiquing the ephemeral nature of digital interactions. With over 500 tablets by 2018, MOM not only collects individual contributions but also collaborates with institutions to document critical societal information, such as nuclear waste data. The ceramic tablets, inspired by ancient Sumerian designs, are engineered to withstand the test of time, ensuring that the essence of our era can be understood by future finders, even potentially extraterrestrial ones. Visitors to Hallstatt can explore this unique initiative that blends art, history, and a vision for the future.