Wangen Museum Brings Medieval History to Life for Students
A decade-long partnership between the learning studio Future Learning Impulses and the Old Town and Museum Association Wangen (AMV) is transforming how students experience regional history. On June 26th, class 6d of a local secondary school, accompanied by their teacher Michael Andritsch, participated in an immersive program at the Wangen Museum Landscape’s medieval bathhouse, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
Immersive Learning at the Badstube
The program at the Badstube – a medieval bathhouse – focused on bringing the Middle Ages to life for students. Participants learned about medieval bathing culture, hygiene practices, and even the more unsettling duties of a medieval “lifeguard,” including procedures like bloodletting and cupping. To illustrate the harsh realities of the era, students engaged in a sobering exercise, estimating the impact of the plague by imagining that one in three people would succumb to the disease.
A Detective’s Approach to History
The learning experience wasn’t simply a lecture. Students were challenged to adopt a detective-like mindset, approaching the bathhouse as a “closed site” similar to a police investigation. Working in small groups, they deciphered the purpose and use of various objects found within the space. This hands-on approach fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
From Quill to Seal: Experiencing Medieval Crafts
The program extended beyond observation and deduction to include practical skills. With considerable enthusiasm, students practiced the art of parchment writing, carefully avoiding blots with ink and feather keels. The culmination of this activity involved sealing their completed documents with wax and a personal seal, providing a tangible connection to medieval craftsmanship.
“Making the Middle Ages interactively for Wangen students and conveying regional history was fully achieved,” a program representative stated. Students overwhelmingly agreed, finding the Stadtmuseum Wangen far from boring.
Future Engagements and Educational Resources
The success of this program has led to plans for further visits from students at the Realschule and the Wangen community school. Individuals interested in learning more about the museum’s educational offerings can find detailed information on the AMV website at amv-wangen.de.
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Beyond the Badstube: Expanding the Wangen Museum’s Educational Reach
Building on the success of the immersive Badstube program, the AMV (Altstadt- und Museumsverein Wangen) is expanding its educational initiatives. The goal is to offer more students and the wider community dynamic ways to connect with local history housed within the Stadtmuseum Wangen and other historical sites. The focus remains on interactive experiences and fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s past, as seen with class 6d’s visit earlier this year, and the program’s continued partnership with Future Learning Impulses.
The Role of the Stadtmuseum wangen in the Community
the Stadtmuseum Wangen plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting Wangen im Allgäu’s heritage. Beyond the medieval bathhouse, the museum encompasses a variety of exhibits and collections showcasing different aspects of the region’s history, art, and culture. One notable addition is the bronze figure of Maria Neff,a tribute to the “Mühlentochter,” placed at the museum entrance in 2019 [[1]]. Maria Neff’s legacy underscores the importance of community engagement and the value of highlighting compelling figures from Wangen’s past.
The museum offers guided tours to enrich the visitor experience. These tours provide valuable context and insights into the exhibits, making history more accessible and engaging. Public museum tours, such as the one held on june 16, 2022, provide an opportunity for everyone to explore the museum’s treasures. Furthermore, the wangen im Allgäu OsterEierMuseum showcases a engaging collection of decorated eggs, adding another dimension to the city’s cultural offerings [[3]].
Future Program Progress: Making History Accessible for All
The AMV is actively developing new programs and initiatives to engage a wider audience. Based on the enthusiasm of students visiting the Badstube, the AMV plans to create more interactive learning experiences. They are working to incorporate a wider range of historical periods and themes. The goal is to build on the current successes and continually develop educational activities for the Wangen community school and Realschule.
A key component of future programs involves hands-on activities, which is one reason learning to write with quill and ink is so vital. They will also explore the use of authentic materials and techniques,replicating practices from each historical period studied. The AMV intends to create more opportunities for community involvement, making the lessons accessible – ensuring relevance to all ages and interests.
Actionable Steps for Deeper engagement
The Wangen Museum’s educational programs offer multiple benefits. Here are a few:
- Enhancing Critical Thinking: Students will analyze primary sources and build their research skills.
- Promoting Collaboration: Students will participate in collaborative group projects.
- Boosting Historical Understanding: Students will gain a deeper gratitude for the past through meaningful experiences.
- Fostering Community Involvement: Students and others will participate in workshops and special events.
What Students Might Learn Next
In future programs, students might explore other aspects of medieval life, such as:
- Medieval Warfare: Learn about weaponry, armor, and siege tactics, and consider historical battles.
- The Black Death: Study the pandemic’s impact,including medical treatments,societal changes,and its effect on religious beliefs.
- Commerce and Trade: Explore the growth of guilds, medieval markets, and trading routes.
The AMV’s commitment to interactive and immersive learning ensures that the Stadtmuseum Wangen and other historical sites will remain vibrant centers of knowledge and engagement for generations to come.
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