Testimonials of the Day Recount Accounts
On the 6th of September 2025, the City of Gütersloh will premiere two short documentaries titled "My Childhood and Youth in Gütersloh". These films offer a unique glimpse into the lives of eyewitnesses born between 1922 and 1950, capturing their unfiltered and authentic voices.
The project, "My Childhood and Youth in Gütersloh - Eyewitnesses Tell", aims to preserve and make publicly accessible personal stories from the past. It employs the method of Oral History, offering a vivid picture of past everyday realities beyond written sources.
The short films delve into the experiences of children and young people in Gütersloh during National Socialism, the bombing war, liberation, and the years of rebuilding. A total of 23 eyewitnesses from the war and post-war generation have shared their memories for the project, resulting in two compelling documentaries that do not include any commentary or interpretation.
The premiere event will take place at Bambi-Kino, Bogenstraße 3, and is free to attend. Interested parties are invited to embark on an emotional journey through Gütersloh's history, listening to accounts from those who lived through formative years.
The event's leaders include Lena Jeckel (Head of the Cultural Department of the City of Gütersloh), Julia Kuklik (Head of the City Archive), and Dr. Franz Jungbluth (Chairman of the Local History Association). A brochure with further information and the opportunity to meet the project leaders will be available at the event.
Prior registration is required for the premiere event and can be done via the cultural portal at www.stadt.gt/zeitzeuginnen-erzaehlen.
The project creates a multifaceted kaleidoscope of individual experiences, providing new perspectives for urban historical research. The short films offer a valuable contribution to the understanding of Gütersloh's history, offering a unique insight into the lives of its citizens during a pivotal period.
