Opening of the NAL in Gießen: A place of memory and dialogue!

Opening of the NAL in Gießen: A place of memory and dialogue!

In Gießen, an important chapter in history was recently inaugurated: the official opening of the learning and memory location Meisenbornweg. On the occasion of an “open day”, numerous visitors were able to visit the new institution and get an idea of ​​the permanent exhibition. This exhibition contains a wealth of materials, including contemporary witness reports, documents, photos and videos that address the history of flight and displacement in Germany. According to Gießener Allgemeine , the place of learning is regarded as an opportunity and enrichment for the city, especially with regard to the history of the emergency wages (NAL) Pour.

The stories not only enrich the exhibition: Ute Scholz, a contemporary witness, remembered her arrival in the NAL in 1990 and the challenges she left behind when she left the SED regime. Their fate reflects the experiences of many who have lived through the NAL. Against this background, the support of volunteers comes into play: Matthias Leschhorn, a former pastor, has built up a circle of volunteers, who actively supports refugees and integrated their votes into the exhibition.

educational offers and workshops

The museum should not only be a reminder, but also have a pedagogical character. Numerous workshops that are aimed at students of all ages are planned. Nicola Roether, the pedagogical director, presented the comprehensive educational program to the teachers in the Gießen community center on March 24, 2025. The conception of the permanent exhibition is explained in two -part offers and the history of the NAL is deepened. This also includes dealing with the fates of displaced persons and asylum seekers, a topic that is still of great importance in German post -war history, as the Federal Center for Political Education

In the context of the workshops, classic tours are planned that are adapted to the different grades and are interlinked with the educational plans of the schools. The teachers can adapt to a comprehensive processing of the SED dictatorship and their effects, which also deals with the integration of refugees and displaced persons into the German society.

reflections and future challenges

The opening of the area of ​​learning and memory Meisenbornweg falls into a context in which the topic of flight and displacement increasingly focuses on society. Since the end of World War II, Gießen has established itself as a “place of longing” for many people from East Germany. Dr. Florian Greiner, the managing director of the NAL, emphasized the central role of the dialogue between the former GDR and today's generations. He emphasized that only through these difficult chapters of history can people be encouraged to recognize totalitarian structures and prevent future developments.

the work of the NAL and the associated dealing with history is more important than ever. It raises questions that extend to the present and shape German post -war history. The place of learning and memory is therefore a lively place of dialogue and learning, which can help to learn from the past and to shape a common future.