Kleinbardorf, June 20, 2024 – The Rathgen-Forschungslabor organized a compelling community tour of the Jewish cemetery in Kleinbardorf, fostering engagement and raising awareness about this significant historical site. The tour was expertly guided by Mr. Reinhold Albert, the district local history and district archives officer in the Rhön-Grabfeld district.

Mr. Albert provided an in-depth explanation of the Jewish cemetery’s historical importance and context. He highlighted that reliable information about the Jewish burial ground on the Wartberg can be traced back to a hall book from 1602 housed in the Würzburg State Archives. He also described the cemetery’s accessibility, noting that it can be entered through a larger gate on the west side and a smaller gate on the north side of the fence.

A poignant moment of the tour was the visit to the memorial that honors the Jewish soldiers who died in the First World War. Mr. Albert emphasized the memorial’s significance in commemorating the Jewish community’s contributions and sacrifices.

The event saw the attendance of several notable local figures, including Mr. Günter Henneberger, a respected local historian, and Mr. Rainer Seelmann. Their presence underscored the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Additionally, colleagues from Vienna, including Katharina Fuchs, Marija Milchin, and Farkas Pintér, who are involved in condition assessment fieldwork, also participated in the tour, providing a broader perspective on heritage conservation efforts.

This tour not only provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the Jewish cemetery’s history but also facilitated discussions on ongoing preservation efforts. It underscored the importance of local and international collaboration in safeguarding cultural heritage sites.

The community tour was part of the broader EU Stecci Project, which aims to protect and document historical sites, ensuring their legacy for future generations. This event, like others organized by the Rathgen-Forschungslabor, plays a crucial role in fostering community involvement and raising awareness about the significance of preserving cultural heritage.

The tour was meticulously organized and executed, ensuring an informative and enriching experience for all attendees, and reinforcing the project’s mission to protect and celebrate historical sites.