Witzenhausen and colonialism
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"Remembrance concept for the history of the German Colonial School in Witzenhausen - federally funded project starts in spring 2025"
The Universities of Kassel and Saarbrücken are launching a joint project to develop an information and remembrance concept on the history of the former German Colonial School (DKS) in Witzenhausen.
The project, which will run until December 2026, examines the colonial heritage of Witzenhausen, which was shaped by the German Colonial School for Agriculture, Trade and Commerce (DKS) between 1898 and 1944, and also looks at the development of its successor institutions. The project is funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) following a decision by the Bundestag. The initiative was launched by Awet Tesfaiesus, Member of the Bundestag for the Werra-Meißner district. The aim is to develop a place of remembrance in Research that conveys historical knowledge against the backdrop of current issues and debates and offers space for critical reflection and exchange.
As part of the project, information services are to be developed for various target groups. The guiding principle is to impart knowledge about German colonial history and its consequences based on selected historical sources. The aim is to promote a critical awareness of historical inequalities between the Global South and the Global North. A particular focus is on globally networked agriculture. In addition, the location offers the potential to reflect in a complex way on the links between German colonial history and anti-Semitism and National Socialism - a topic that is highly relevant to society in view of current anti-democratic and authoritarian political tendencies.
The idea arose from a student initiative in 2017, which dealt with the history of today's Department of Ecological Agricultural Sciences (FB 11) at the University of Kassel in an agricultural history seminar. Parts of the campus are located on the grounds and in the buildings of the former DKS. Its successor institution, the German Institute of Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL), has managed the property since 1957. The project also ties in with the "Witzenhausen and Colonialism" series of events, which most recently initiated the rededication of the memorial stone in the monastery courtyard on November 9, 2024.
In addition to the historical-scientific reappraisal, the project is designed as a participatory undertaking. Local stakeholders, artists and civil society will be actively involved in order to promote a critical and multi-perspective debate. The process is understood as an opportunity for dialog in which impulses, suggestions and criticism from society can be taken up and integrated.
On 11 March 2025 at 19:00, project manager Dr. Birgit Metzger and coordinator Johnny Ibraimo will present the project to the Witzenhausen Urban Development Committee in the town hall.
Contact:
Dr. Birgit Metzger, birgit.metzger[at]uni-kassel.de, birgit.metzger[at]uni-saarland.de
Johnny Ibraimo, uk030720[at]uni-kassel.de
Continuation of the work
In the year of remembrance 2023/24, 125 years after the founding of the German Colonial School, a wide range of topics relating to history, remembrance, responsibility and the future were addressed in a variety of formats. The response to the events showed that there is great interest in engaging with and discussing different positions. Dealing with history is never finished and is a continuous process.
For this reason, the open working group of groups, institutions and individuals from the university and the town community continues to meet.
Witzenhausen and colonialism
From colonial past to present-day responsibility?
To receive up-to-date information, please send a message with the subject subscribe to the following address:
wiz-kolonialgeschichte-request[at]lists.uni-kassel[dot]de
Contact: klingeberg-behr[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
125 Years German Colonial School Witzenhausen
2023 marked the 125th anniversary of the founding of the German Colonial School (DKS) in Witzenhausen. The DKS marks the foundation of the agricultural history of Witzenhausen as a research and teaching location. At the same time, the DKS is clearly part of a colonial tradition in which serious human rights crimes were committed.
Invitation to the rededication of the memorial stone on 8.11.2024
5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Old monastery, inner courtyard, Steinstraße Witzenhausen.
Followed by joint participation in the memorial service at the former synagogue
The working group "Witzenhausen and Colonialism" cordially invites you to the ceremonial rededication of the memorial stone for the victims of colonial and National Socialist regimes of violence in the monastery courtyard. This stone, which was laid in 1988 as a reminder "of the participation of members of the German Colonial School Witzenhausen in the Jew-baiting and persecution", will be placed on a new pedestal in a prominent position on the campus. From now on, it will serve as a reminder that the German Colonial School in Witzenhausen taught, lived and helped shape the ideologies of colonial and National Socialist regimes of violence between 1899 and 1944. It is intended to be a symbol of the continued need for commitment against discrimination and for democracy as well as tolerant and respectful coexistence.
Re-inauguration of the memorial stone in the former monastery courtyard
Nov 08, 2024 - 17:15
Speeches will be translated into English
The working group Witzenhausen and Colonialism invites you to a re-inaugaration of the memorial stone for the victims of colonial and Nazi regimes of violence. The stone was laid in 1988 in the courtyard of the monastery building as a critical memorial "of the participation of members of the German Colonial School Witzenhausen in agitation against and persecution of Jews", and will now be placed on a new pedestal. It is intended to be a reminder that colonial and Nazi ideologies of violence were taught, lived and developed at the German Colonial School in Witzenhausen from 1899-1944. It is meant as a symbol of the continuing need for active participation against discrimination and for democracy as well as an atmosphere of tolerance and respect.
de - colonizing the ex - colonial school Witzenhausen (Workshop on 15./16.6.2024)
a performative safer space with experi_theater Zurich
We had a Dora in the southwest (movie on 26.4.2024)
Film and discussion about the women's colonial school in Rendsburg with Joana Schröder
Friday, April 26
Admission: 19.00 Film starts: 19.30
Free admission
Capitol Cinema Witzenhausen
Wir hatten eine Dora in Südwest
Germany / Namibia | 1991 | Director: Tink Diaz | Documentary | Recommended for ages 14 and up | German (English passages German voice-over| 70 minutes | Women / Gender / Colonialism / Racism
Joana Schröder
Curator of the exhibition "From Rendsburg into the wide world. The Colonial Women's School" at the Rendsburg Museum (July 9 to October 8, 2023).
