New emergency network protects local history museums in the Wittelsbacher Land

New emergency network protects local history museums in the Wittelsbacher Land

In 2004, the Duchess Anna Amalia Library in Weimar experienced a devastating fire, which highlighted the need for effective protection for cultural institutions. Three years later, the first emergency network in Germany was set up in Weimar to better protect museums, libraries and archives.

Now there is also such an emergency network in the Wittelsbacher Land, which was founded specifically to protect local museums. The initiative was launched by the district community nurse Susanne Kühnlein-Vollmar. She emphasizes the importance of local history museums for the preservation and communication of cultural heritage and local history. “With the emergency network, museums are made more aware of emergency planning and prevention,” she explains. A central point is the networking of museums, which facilitates the exchange of information and experiences.

Support and collaboration

The establishment of the emergency network was supported by district home care officer Christoph Lang. At a meeting in the district office, mayors, association boards and private individuals had the opportunity to sign for the association. The emergency network aims to provide mutual support in an emergency, be it through material or personnel. This is particularly important when recovering cultural property in the event of fire or flooding.

Another important aspect is preventive preparation for emergencies. The museums in the district will develop individual emergency plans in collaboration with the local fire departments in the coming months. This is intended to ensure that action can be taken quickly and effectively in an emergency.

Networking museums is crucial in order to establish contacts with official bodies who can help with questions about the preservation and rescue of cultural assets. This includes the district and state heritage authorities as well as the state office for monument preservation. This collaboration will help protect and preserve the region's cultural treasures.

For further information about the emergency network for our local museums, please visit this website.

Image (© District Office Aichach-Friedberg, Teresa Wörle): You can see District Administrator Dr. Klaus Metzger, Susanne Kühnlein-Vollmar and several mayors who are committed to protecting local museums. Some important personalities, such as the chairman of the Derching local association, Leonhard Knauer, were excused and not in the picture.