During the Second World War, Lyon saw a mix of destinies. Situated in the Southern zone, in accordance with the 22nd June 1940 armistice, it became the most important city of Free France. It fulfilled a major role with the redeployment of administrative services and press organs from Paris. As an important intellectual hotbed, Lyon saw numerous leaflets and clandestine newspapers begin to appear from the summer of 1940. At the same time, the civil and military Resistance began to be organised.On 11th November 1942, the situation changed radically: German troops invaded the Southern zone and occupied the city. The German repressive services and the Vichy auxiliary police tracked down the members of the resistance and made many arrests. The repression also descended on the Jews, and many roundups were organised from August 1942.On 14th September 1944, during a speech at the City Hall, General de Gaulle paid tribute to the city's commitment, and proclaimed Lyon "Capital of the Resistance".
Educational serviceIn response to what is one of its mains raisons d'être , the Centre gives young visitors pride of place in its admission and programming policy, thus contributing to the education of future citizens, free, responsible and conscious of having inherited a common memory. The educational service is available to teachers to assist them with school visits and develop an effective partnership. Visits and workshops are led by mediators.
The collectionsThe Resistance and Deportation History Centre conserves and cares for archives and collections. What makes it different is its remarkable collection of posters, contemporary song sheets and material coming from the great figures of the Resistance. Some 700 filmed first person stories of members of the Resistance and deportees make it a key place for discovering the oral history of this period.