On June 17th 2024, the Rathgen Research Laboratory (SPK) organized a kickoff meeting with stakeholders in Bad Neustadt, Bavaria as part of Stecci project aims (WP5). This significant event, hosted by the Bad Neustadt City Archive, saw active participation from representatives of the government, educational institutions, and the local community.
Mr. Thomas Künzl from the City Archive inaugurated the meeting by detailing the efforts of the city archive in safeguarding and documenting critical historical records. He provided an insightful demonstration of the scientific and mapping work on the historical mills in and around Bad Neustadt.
Ms. Susanne Klemm from the Bavarian Monuments Protection Authority emphasized her ongoing initiatives to preserve Jewish cemeteries in Bavaria, with a special emphasis on the sites in Kleinbardorf and Unsleben.
Prof. Dr. Stefan Simon, director of the Rathgen Research Laboratory, showcased his previous projects and contributions in documenting and conserving Jewish cemeteries in these areas. His presentation underscored the importance of scientific research in heritage conservation.
Prof. Dr. Saida Ibragic, the director of the Stecci project, elaborated on the project’s goals, consortium members, ongoing scientific and social activities, and future contributions. Her talk highlighted the broader implications of the project for cultural heritage preservation.
Ms. Pamela Barter, a team member at the Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI) and leader of Work Package 5 in the Stecci project, explained strategies to integrate tangible cultural heritage into local and regional ecosystems. She emphasized the importance of engaging local stakeholders and adopting a people-centered approach to heritage preservation.
A World Café session facilitated discussions among stakeholders about the needs, challenges, and solutions for protecting and documenting Jewish cemeteries in Bavaria, especially in the face of climate change impacts. This interactive session allowed participants to exchange ideas and propose actionable strategies.
Following the seminar, Mr. Thomas Künzl guided the stakeholders on a tour of the city archive, showcasing the most significant documents and explaining the methods used for their preservation and classification.
The event was meticulously moderated and organized by:
- Mr. Thomas Künzl, Stadtarchiv Bad Neustadt
- Dr. Abdelrhman Fahmy, Rathgen Research Laboratory (SPK)
The seminar marked a pivotal step in fostering collaboration among various stakeholders dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage in Bavaria, setting the stage for future initiatives and research.
