Philosophy

„We are the people!" chanted the peaceful revolutionaries of 1989. One year later the cry became: „We are one people!"

Is it possible that men and women, seemingly sharing little more than a common language, who have been kept apart for several generations can see themselves as one people? Can the years of separation, the cultural, economic and political differences be shed like a worn-out garment? Who is really prepared to mend the holes left in the fabric of that society after so many decades of separation?

It is high time for historians - professionals and laymen - to begin to put this era 1949-1989 in perspective. We are creating a lively meeting place to appraise these times, in all their facets; offering an opportunity to exchange ideas, forge connections, begin to study. We are founding a dynamic movement for the development of research and communication about the East German-West German era and seek to encourage the coming together of divergent populations in our country.

Drawing from our collections, permanent and rotating exhibitions will be established which will offer an objective view of this epoch. The divided Germany, the promises and problems on both sides of the Iron Curtain will be our focus, one which we especially hope to communicate to the generations born after the fall of the Wall.

Alongside our collection we will offer discussion roundtables in cooperation with researchers from various areas of interest. In particular, the educators who have specialized in this field during the 40 years of division will be invited to share their knowledge.

We welcome all who would like to contribute to our project.