Wiesbadener Archiv Photo Becomes Part of German National Memory

A photograph from Wiesbaden’s city archives now features in a major national exhibition. The image, showing a Rosinenbomber during the 1948 Berlin Airlift, is part of the newly redesigned permanent display at Bonn’s House of German History. The inclusion highlights how local stories contribute to Germany’s broader historical narrative.

The newly opened exhibition, You Are Part of History, expands its scope to cover developments since 1990. Alongside traditional displays, it incorporates contemporary media and interactive elements. One standout piece is the Wiesbaden archive photo, taken at Erbenheim Airfield, depicting the loading of supplies onto a US cargo plane during the Berlin Airlift.

Federal Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer recognised the city’s contribution at the exhibition’s launch. Dr. Hendrik Schmehl, Wiesbaden’s Cultural Affairs Commissioner, called the inclusion a testament to the importance of municipal archives in preserving shared memory. Dr. Peter Quadflieg, head of the Stadtarchiv Wiesbaden, stressed that archivists play a crucial role in shaping how society understands its past.

The House of German History remains one of Germany’s most visited museums, documenting politics, society, and daily life since 1945. By featuring Wiesbaden’s photograph, the exhibition connects a local moment of solidarity and determination to a pivotal chapter in postwar German history.

The archival image from Wiesbaden now stands as part of the national record. It joins other artefacts in illustrating key themes of resilience and cooperation during the Berlin Airlift. Visitors to the exhibition can see how individual cities, like Wiesbaden, helped shape Germany’s collective story.