The American lifestyle in Munich should be documented!
The presence of the United States of America in Munich after World War II was of central importance to the city's development – militarily, politically, socially, and culturally – and the City Museum in Munich is seeking artifacts from this period!
The Munich City Museum is seeking memorabilia relating to the American presence in Munich (1945–1990s)
Munich. The Munich City Museum is seeking memorabilia relating to the American presence in Munich (1945–1990s). The City Museum of the Bavarian capital is researching American lifestyles in Munich from 1945 to the 1990s. If you remember being stationed as a soldier in Munich or if your parents were here and you still have mementos, the City Museum's collection would be delighted to receive artifacts from this time! The museum welcomes all objects and documents that reflect the influence of American culture and the coexistence of Munich residents during this period. Anyone with memorabilia, photos, or objects from this period in Munich can contribute to the scientific documentation and expansion of the museum's current collection. Anyone who still has something hidden, long-forgotten, or carefully stored at home, in the attic, or in the basement can help keep this important period in Munich's history alive. Link to the Munich City Museum / Münchner Stadtmuseum! The museum's researchers welcome your finds of contemporary history and your email address: ushistory(at)muenchen.de
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| There's a shady spot at the City Museum that invites you to rest – the museum is currently undergoing major renovations and is therefore closed! Here's the tree at Jakobsplatz in Munich... Press photo archive: Helga Waess |
Call for donations from contemporary witnesses and descendants of a bygone era of the US presence in Munich
The presence of the United States of America in Munich after World War II was of central importance to the city's development – militarily, politically, socially, and culturally. Who remembers the so-called "American settlement" in Munich's Perlach Forest – where the Bundeswehr Hospital Munich and then the European Patent Office later stood? This settlement was built in the 1950s for US military personnel and their families and for decades formed a vibrant American community in the heart of Munich. The Perlach Forest is still a popular recreational area for joggers.
There were American-owned institutions here, such as schools, cinemas, shops, and clubs.
The cultural events were popular in the city and shaped not only the everyday life of American families. People met and cultivated friendships with the sociable Munich residents.
The US Army withdrew in the 1990s, leaving behind a collective memory. A few former US Army personnel and their descendants found a new home in Munich or, despite returning to the US, maintained close ties to the beautiful state capital, Munich. It was very popular for its beer gardens, recreational areas along the Isar River and the English Garden, the world-famous Munich Oktoberfest, the nearby Alps, the many lakes (Lake Starnberg, Lake Tegernsee, Lake Chiemsee, Lake Ammersee, Lake Kochel, Lake Osterseen, Lake Constance, etc.), and its nearby royal palaces.
Those stationed here felt like they were on vacation!
The Munich City Museum's collection is to be expanded:
Historians will scientifically examine the memorabilia, documents, and photographs and compile them into an exhibition. The Munich City Museum welcomes the support of former residents of the US settlements, their relatives, and companions from the US community in Munich in preserving this history.
We are seeking personal memorabilia, everyday objects, and documents from the period from 1945 to the 1990s. These can become part of the museum's collection and be used and honored in future exhibitions and research projects.
Among other items, we are seeking – from 1945 to the 1990s:
- Photographs and (private) film recordings
- Clothing (e.g., T-shirts, school jackets, jerseys, uniform parts)
- Yearbooks, school supplies from US schools
- Event programs, badges, banners
- and other items related to US life in Munich.
Memories of:
- Munich American High School
- Elementary School
- University of Maryland (Munich Branch)
- The Little Oktoberfest
- Life on US bases such as McGraw Barracks or the American settlement
- The coexistence of old and new Munich residents are especially welcome
Munich City Museum
St.-Jakobs-Platz 1
80331 Munich
CURRENT Exhibition at the Munich City Museum
Interim Exhibition"What the City. Perspectives of Munich"
Location:
in the historic Armory
- Tuesday–Sunday 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Free Admission
The rest of the Munich City Museum is currently closed due to major renovations!
Quelle: Pressemeldung - Munich City Museum
