Commemorative Event in Gütersloh 2025: Engage Intimately with Historical Moments
In the heart of Gütersloh, Germany, a unique event took place on September 14, 2025, under the motto "Priceless, invaluable, or irreplaceable?" - the Day of Open Heritage. This annual celebration, which has been a tradition for over 30 years, offers visitors the chance to discover the city's rich history, culture, and heritage.
One of the highlights of this year's event was the historical cemetery of the LWL Clinic. Established over a century ago, the cemetery consists of three areas - patient, soldier, and staff cemetery - and tells over 100 years of clinic history. Notable figures buried in the cemetery include the first clinic director, Dr. Hermann Simon, and a memorial has been erected on the grounds for the 1,017 murdered patients of the NS era. Some gravestones bear no names, only numbers, serving as a silent testimony to the past. The cemetery is publicly accessible and is still used for urn burials today.
Another fascinating site was the historical Villa Elmendorf, built in 1901. Adorned with large-scale frescoes by the painter Hans Kohlschein, the villa features antique chandeliers, richly decorated stucco, and an imposing grandfather clock. Hostess Ulrike Elmendorf, who lives in the villa, played music on the concert grand piano every 30 minutes for visitors. Around 300 visitors explored the villa, marveling at its unique charm.
The Mühlenstroth Narrow-Gauge Railway, a part of the Heritage Day event, offered historic train operations with freight loading and shunting maneuvers. Long-standing member Peter Neesen, who has been involved for over 50 years, operated the 1949-built steam locomotive. The rides on the Mühlenstroth Narrow-Gauge Railway delighted families and railway fans alike, lasting around 15 to 20 minutes.
The diversity of sites included timber-framed houses, churches, cemeteries, and parks. Some sites offered individual exploration, while others provided guided tours with experts. Many of the sites that were open to the public are not usually accessible to the public, making this event a truly special occasion.
The museum association dedicated to preserving and operating historic narrow-gauge railways, typically originated from enthusiasts aiming to save and run heritage railway lines for educational and cultural purposes, often focusing on the history and technical uniqueness of these railways. On the Day of Open Monuments, visitors could experience historical train rides, guided tours of the railway museum, demonstrations of vintage railway technology, and events that highlight the cultural and technical heritage of the railways.
The "Day of Open Heritage" in Gütersloh was organized by the Lower Heritage Authority and the Central Public Relations of the City of Gütersloh. With over 20 stations opened to visitors, it was a day filled with discovery, learning, and appreciation for the city's rich history and heritage. The next event is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026, so mark your calendars and join in the celebration!
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