Gotha in view: Lecture on aristocratic history through the ages!

Gotha in view: Lecture on aristocratic history through the ages!

An important event is just around the corner: On Wednesday, October 22nd, the Hall of Mirrors of the research library at Friedenstein Castle will open its doors to all interested parties. As part of the annual exhibition "ADEL MACHT STATE. The Gotha court calendar from 1763 to 1944" there will be a lecture that deals with a unique perspective on the history of the nobility in the 19th and 20th centuries. The lecture by PD Dr. Daniel Menning from the University of Tübingen with the title “THE GOTHA as a mirror of aristocratic history in the 19th and 20th centuries” promises exciting insights. Admission is free, making this event particularly accessible, and a small reception at the end of the evening rounds off the event.

But what exactly makes “GOTHA” so remarkable? In Germany, the Gotha Genealogical Handbook, published by the German Nobility Archive in Marburg, has been known for many years as one of the main sources for documenting the genealogies of the historical nobility. It has been published since 2015 and follows the tradition of the Gotha court calendar, which was open to the public from 1742 to 1944. After the Second World War, the court calendar was continued by the Genealogical Handbook of the Nobility (GHdA) and finally transferred to the Gotha Genealogical Handbook.

The lecture and its meaning

The lecture thesis by PD Dr. Menning argues that the “GOTHA” acts as a kind of mirror that reflects the developments and changes within the nobility during the 19th and 20th centuries. Dr. Menning is highly qualified as an expert in the field of aristocratic history and has published many editions and publications on noble families from southwest and northeast Germany, which underline his deep specialist knowledge.

The Gotha Genealogical Handbook is divided into several sub-series. These include the handbook of princely, count and baronial houses and noble houses, and thus offers a comprehensive overview of the genealogical landscape of the German nobility, making the work a valuable resource for historians, genealogists and anyone interested.

The role of the German Noble Archive

The German Nobility Archive in Marburg, which has a tradition going back over 250 years, plays a central role in research on the nobility. Founded 70 years ago by Hans Friedrich v. Ehrenkrook and Jürgen v. Flotow, the facility was designed from the start to collect and process documentary and historical information about the nobility. With around 305 linear meters of holdings and a reference library with around 23,000 volumes, the archive is an Eldorado for researchers who want to shed light on the history of the nobility.

The Gotha Genealogical Handbook is not just a court calendar, but a living document that records the relationships and developments of the nobility over the centuries. It is more than just a historical reference work; it is a testimony that illustrates the connections between the various noble families and their influence on German history.

Finally, the Friends of the Research Library Gotha e.V. cordially invites all visitors to a small reception after the lecture to end the evening comfortably and to offer the opportunity for exchange.

For more information about the Gotha Genealogical Handbook you can read the article on Wikipedia visit. That too German nobility archive offers exciting insights into the history and activities surrounding the nobility in Germany.

Take this opportunity to take a look into the fascinating history of the nobility and experience an evening full of knowledge sharing!