Wittenberge: These three personalities shaped our city!

Wittenberge: These three personalities shaped our city!

Wittenberge, the charming town on the western edge of Brandenburg, is not only known for its railway history, but has also produced important personalities. These people have shaped life in the region and radiate beyond the city's borders.

One of the most outstanding figures isStefanie Thurmann. The Perleberg native discovered her passion for sport shooting at the age of just 13 at the Wittenberg Schützengilde 1582 e.V. After graduating from the Marie Curie High School in Wittenberge in 2001, she took part in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Her path shows what is possible with a good hand and the right support from a regional club. Their successes encourage many young athletes to pursue their own passion.

Friedrich Franz Albert Mehmel, born in 1828, has had a profound influence on the city through his architectural achievements. As royal building inspector, he designed Wittenberge's historic town hall and several school buildings. His style, which combined functionality with representative design, symbolizes the economic boom of the time. To this day, the Mehmel buildings represent the city's cultural heritage and have a lasting impact on the cityscape.

The comedian duo Herricht & Preil

It will also remain unforgettableHans Joachim Preil. The artist, who grew up in Wittenberge, became known through the famous GDR comedian duo “Herricht & Preil”. He performed with his partner Rolf Herricht for almost three decades and put a smile on the faces of people in eastern Germany. Her skits, which were often based on misunderstandings, are still present in many minds and hearts today. The duo's popularity is also reflected in a survey by Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, where they were voted the most popular comedians. Many of their performances are still available today, be it on LPs, CDs or DVDs, and their jokes have become proverbial.

The combination of satire and humor that the duo presented made social absurdities visible and made the viewer think about life in a humorous way. Preil's roots, which are deeply rooted in Wittenberge, remain noticeable even after his move to Berlin. A memorial plaque in the city commemorates him and his work.

Old Castle City Museum as a memory of the region

For anyone who would like to learn more about Wittenberg’s rich history, the “Alte Burg” city museum is an excellent place to go. Since 1980, the museum has continuously improved its offerings and presents both permanent and special exhibitions. It is barrier-free and has a small café that is ideal for a visit. The collection includes numerous objects from the industrial and GDR periods as well as a remarkable selection of sewing machines from the Singer and Veritas factories.

In addition to acting as a repository of history, the museum also offers research opportunities through its attached city archive. The library has over 5,000 titles, giving those interested a deep insight into local history. The dedicated employees are also open to donations of objects that have a connection to the city's history - however, unnecessary mass-produced products are not accepted.

With a colorful mix of history, culture and personalities, Wittenberge shows that the charm of this city is deeply anchored in its roots. Whether as a place of remembrance or as a starting point for the dreams of young athletes, Wittenberge remains a living chapter in Brandenburg's history.

The City Museum and the Wittenberge City Archives are available as competent contacts for historical data and further information about the city's history. Contact information can be found on the City of Wittenberge website.

Visit Wittenberge and experience the uniqueness of this city for yourself!

Further information about the creativity of Hans-Joachim Preil can be found in the extensive Wikipedia page on Herricht & Preil.

A special thank you goes to the research of Nordkurier, which gave us these insights into the personalities and history of Wittenberg.