ERN was established in 1993 as a means of supporting existing reminiscence work and promoting new reminiscence projects across Europe.

The Network offered training, practical workshops, lectures and performances in all EU countries and generated new creative inter-disciplinary partnerships. Large-scale international festivals of reminiscence theatre and of inter-cultural and inter-generational reminiscence arts were held in London, Cologne, Copenhagen and Brussels. ERN conferences on reminiscence in dementia care were held in London, Vienna and Stockholm. All attracted speakers, performers and delegates from across the EU and well beyond.

ERN was originally directed through Age Exchange by Pam Schweitzer (Artistic Director of Age Exchange until 2005). In 2005, ERN became an independent organisation, constituted as a company limited by guarantee. It continues to promote creative reminiscence partnerships across