Special exhibition in the city museum

The districts in the spotlight

50 years ago, the villages of Böhringen, Güttingen, Liggeringen, Markelfingen, Möggingen and Stahringen were incorporated into Radolfzell as part of the municipal reform in Baden-Württemberg. Since then, the town has been able to call itself a “large district town”. The town museum is now taking the anniversary as an opportunity to present the exhibition “Village life. History(s) from the Radolfzell districts” from Thursday, March 28, 2024, to Sunday, February 23, 2025, focusing on the villages of Radolfzell, where around 40 percent of the Radolfzell population lives. On display are past village worlds, committed people and dramatic events that are an important part of Radolfzell’s history.

The special exhibition provides an exciting insight into the history of the villages from the first settlers to the present day. In the 19th century, everyday life in the independent communities was characterized by hard work in agriculture and the trades. At that time, going to church on Sundays was just as much a part of life in the village community as the regulars’ table in the pub and voluntary work in the club. Wars and natural disasters repeatedly presented the inhabitants with challenges. Under different rulers, the settlements grew into self-sufficient communities, each with its own character and self-confidence. Various reactions to the incorporations reflect the advantages and disadvantages of municipalization.

The departure from political independence began in 1967 with the “Act to Strengthen the Administrative Power of Smaller Municipalities”. The resulting municipal reform led to the incorporation of Markelfingen, Möggingen, Stahringen and Liggeringen into Radolfzell on January 1, 1974. Güttingen, which had tried to avoid incorporation by forming an administrative community with the neighboring villages, followed six months later. The populous village of Böhringen, where the majority of the population and the municipal council had unanimously voted in favor of retaining independence, resisted this for the longest time. On January 1, 1975, Böhringen had to bow to pressure and was incorporated into the town of Radolfzell.

Today, more than 50 clubs and societies shape social life in the districts and create a wide range of opportunities to engage in sporting, musical or social activities with like-minded people. Many people strengthen village life with their commitment, get involved in festivals, organize events and organize church events. They all help to ensure that Radolfzell and its districts remain diverse and worth living in.

The new special exhibition “Village life. History(s) from the Radolfzell districts” at the Radolfzell Town Museum during the usual opening hours: Thursdays to Sundays from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.

For further information please call Tel. 07732 / 81-530 during opening hours or on the Internet at www.stadtmuseum-radolfzell.de.