"A town has and endures history" – Development of information points for contemporary history in Krems

Making contemporary history visible © Gregor Semrad
Making contemporary history visible © Gregor Semrad

Krems-Stein, the idyllic twin town, is considered to be the "Gateway to the Wachau" and a pioneering model of monument management with World Heritage status. At the same time, however, the town’s more recent history – and above all its contemporary history – is marred by numerous dark spots.

The contemporary history of Krems-Stein has been dealt with to some degree, although it retains many unknown aspects. Both residents of and visitors to the town are scarcely or not at all aware of its multifaceted contemporary history.

Political and social developments led to antisemitism being very strongly evident in Krems – where a Jewish community can be shown to have existed since the Middle Ages – and National Socialism being able to find a fertile breeding ground. Also interesting are the plans to make the town the "district capital" of the "District of Niederdonau" at the time of National Socialism or the fact that Krems-Gneixendorf functioned as the location of Stalag 17B, the biggest prisoner of war camp on Austrian soil.

These and other aspects of history should be processed and made visible to the general public. The goal is to develop a tour through the contemporary history of Krems. A coherent series of stations should be designed that make reference to various aspects. The topics will be dealt with within the scope of this project. The forms of presentation and transfer will be developed and prepared for implementation.

Discussed in the project selection committee: 08.04.2019
Project promoter: Magistrat der Stadt Krems, Leitung Kulturamt
Funding level: 70%
Project duration: 01.09.2019 - 01.10.2020
Supported by the federal government, the federal province and the European Union (LEADER).