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30 years of the Grenzlandmuseum: memories of the division revived!
The Eichsfeld Borderland Museum is celebrating 30 years and commemorates the division of Germany and the experiences of contemporary witnesses.
30 years of the Grenzlandmuseum: memories of the division revived!
This week a special event is being celebrated in Eichsfeld: The Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld can look back on 30 years of existence. This is not only a reason to be happy, but also an opportunity to reflect on the history of the division of Germany. The Iron Curtain ran through this region until less than 40 years ago, and the former Duderstadt/Worbis border crossing was a connector between the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR. Göttingen Tageblatt reports that the museum functions as a place of remembrance and brings the effects of the division and the SED dictatorship to the fore.
The idea of creating such a place of remembrance was initiated after the reunification by Wolfgang Nolte, the former city director and chairman of the museum association. “We don’t want people to forget history,” said Nolte. He is supported by Horst Dornieden, the co-chair, who emphasizes the importance of remembrance and educational work.
A living review
The museum attracts many visitors, including numerous contemporary witnesses to the division of Germany. Angelika and Dieter Stuth from Weimar have been here several times. They report on their experiences as GDR citizens and the 17-year separation from Dieter's sister, who fled illegally to the West. These are stories that reflect the emotional burden of partition.
Ursula and Siegfried Gammisch leave a similar impression. They emphasize the need to understand the consequences of partition. “Visiting the museum gives you a lasting uneasy feeling,” says Siegfried. Rita and Klaus Ruhberger, visitors from the Ruhr area, also reflect on their experiences during the division and remember the oppressive feeling at the border. Rita appreciates the unity of Germany today and recognizes the value of the culture of remembrance.
Focus on memory and education
Mira Keune, the museum's managing director, explains that many families in Eichsfeld were directly affected by the division. Gertrud Funke, a previous visitor, emphasizes the importance of passing on memories to future generations. It is these voices and stories that give the museum its right to exist.
The idea of preserving experiences and knowledge about German history is of utmost importance today. The ongoing engagement with the past makes it possible to appreciate the cohesion and unity that we experience in Germany today. The Eichsfeld Borderland Museum remains a central place where these memories are kept alive.