Hohnstein Castle's Dark Past Revisited in Historic 'Hohnstein Dialog' Event
A new event will mark the dark history of Hohnstein Castle, once the site of an early Nazi concentration camp. The 'Hohnstein Dialog' takes place this Saturday, organised by the Hohnstein Concentration Camp Working Group (LAG), formed in 2022. Descendants of former prisoners, including Gabriele Hahn, will speak at the gathering.
The castle's history as a camp began on March 8, 1933, when SA stormtroopers forced Konrad Hahnewald, the youth hostel director, to raise the swastika flag. His refusal led to his imprisonment in the newly established camp. By August 1934, around 5,600 detainees had been held there, with at least 140 deaths recorded.
Before its Nazi-era use, Hahnewald had turned the youth hostel into one of Germany's largest and most renowned, attracting international visitors. His granddaughter, Gabriele Hahn, will now share her family's story at the event.
The LAG was created after descendants of survivors sought to connect and preserve their ancestors' memories. Their efforts also addressed the castle's long-neglected commemoration, which previously consisted of only a few plaques and poorly maintained displays. In 2017, local authorities blocked the castle's privatisation, ensuring it remained accessible to the public.
This weekend's event will feature a memorial, speeches from the town's mayor and descendants, and a temporary exhibition displaying portraits of twelve former inmates.
The 'Hohnstein Dialog' marks the first public event by the LAG, bringing attention to the castle's past. The exhibition and speeches aim to honour those imprisoned there while ensuring their stories are not forgotten. The group's work continues to push for greater recognition of the site's history.
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