Bärbel Hornemann is Stendal's new monument keeper!

Bärbel Hornemann is Stendal's new monument keeper!

There is a new wind in monument protection in Stendal! Bärbel Hornemann was appointed as a representative of the German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD) and brings a wealth of experience with her. The committed civil engineering graduate follows Dr. Volker Stephan, who headed the local board of trustees until August 2023. In this way, the DSD, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is strengthening its important role in the preservation of cultural monuments in Germany.

Bärbel Hornemann is a true supporter of monument preservation in her city. She worked in the Stendal city administration for almost three decades, most recently in construction supervision and the lower monument protection authority. Her commitment is also reflected in her long-standing chairmanship of the support association Glocken St. Marien Stendal e. V. and as an appointed member of the German Academy for Urban Development and Regional Planning (DASL). After her retirement, she volunteered to guide the city and document GDR art in public spaces in Stendal.

Growth and engagement through site curators

The DSD is proud of over 85 local curators who are active nationwide and are committed to the preservation of more than 7,500 monuments. This remarkable organization has committed more than 750 million euros to support monument preservation since its founding in 1985. In Saxony-Anhalt, over 660 monuments were funded with more than 104.3 million euros. This tradition of commitment and financial support ensures that many cultural treasures are preserved and that future generations can also benefit from them.

Hornemann not only has a passion for monument protection, but also has concrete plans for her local board of trustees. Her role as local curator is initially limited to three years, but an extension is possible, which offers the opportunity to form your own team of members and develop targeted projects.

A look at the structure of the DSD

With a turnover of over 62 million euros in 2023 and a foundation capital of 170 million euros, the DSD has developed into one of the largest private organizations for monument preservation in Germany. Under the motto “We build on culture,” the foundation not only provides financial support, but also imparts knowledge about monument preservation. With programs such as “monument active – cultural heritage sets a school” and regular events such as the “Open Monument Day”, the DSD raises awareness of monument protection among the general population.

In addition, the DSD is committed to innovative approaches, such as the youth construction huts, in which young people can learn practical and theoretical knowledge in monument preservation. These initiatives not only contribute to the education of young people, but also promote interest in historical sites. In 2025, another important project will be launched: the publication of the “Black Book of Monument Preservation”, which will point out losses and threats in the monument landscape.

The commitment of Bärbel Hornemann and the DSD to monument protection is a strong signal at a time when cultural heritage is needed more than ever. It remains to be hoped that their work will bear fruit and that the monuments in Stendal and beyond will continue to be preserved.

For more information you can visit the official website German Monument Protection Foundation as well as on the topic posture and to German Monument Protection Foundation visit.