Democracy history up close: special exhibition in the Sauerland Museum!

Democracy history up close: special exhibition in the Sauerland Museum!

In a remarkable initiative to promote democratic consciousness in the Sauerland, the Sauerland Museum in Arnsberg opened its doors for the special exhibition “With Heart, Hand and Mind”. This exhibition, which deals with the development of democratic life from the 1920s to the present, places a particular focus on the transformation of society from religious influences through the dark times of the Nazi dictatorship to today's Federal Republic of Germany. Westfalenspiegel reports that visitors can not only follow the historical events here, but also gain an insight into the living conditions of the last 100 years and their connection to democracy.

The exhibition, which is part of the comprehensive cultural program “1250 Years of Westphalia” and is generously supported by the LWL Cultural Foundation, also offers numerous interactive elements. Families with children in particular can take part in a stamp rally that teaches the topics of democracy and administration in a playful way. The impressive exhibits include, among other things, a large marble run that illustrates the paths of municipal reorganization, as well as the crisis team's telephone system from the 1980s and even archaeological finds of war crimes in the Arnsberg Forest.

The personal connection to democracy

Dr. In his remarks, Oliver Schmidt, the museum director, emphasizes the opportunities and importance of democracy as well as the political participation of each individual. Also Dr. Barbara Rüschoff-Parzinger, head of the LWL's cultural department, makes it clear that the Basic Law plays a central role as the basis of democracy. This becomes clear, not least through the ideas competition that Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier launched on the occasion of the 70th birthday of the Basic Law. In this context, the competition aims to promote initiatives to strengthen democratic participation and citizens' sense of self-efficacy mkw.nrw.

The result of this competition is presented in a booklet entitled “Democracy Up Close”, in which 16 current projects are presented. These projects are particularly designed to appeal to people who have little contact with political education. Particularly worth mentioning is the “Democracy Workshops in the Neighborhood” project, which encourages citizens in socially problematic neighborhoods in North Rhine-Westphalia to actively support their neighborhood and develop solutions.

On the trail of the understanding of democracy

The initiative in Sauerland shows how important it is to deal with one's own history in order to sharpen the understanding of today's democratic values. Such events are particularly important at a time when political education is often neglected. They not only offer an overview of historical developments, but also invite you to actively participate in shaping democracy.