Sternberg's Domicile Museum: Narratives, Interactions, and Engagement
The Sternberg Museum of Natural History, a treasure trove of local history and scientific discoveries, is gearing up for an engaging year ahead. With a mix of construction noise, eager anticipation, and the meticulous setting up of objects, the museum officially opened its doors in April 2024.
Since then, the museum has been a hub of activity, welcoming donations of personal items like photos, letters, and everyday objects to enrich its collection. It encourages contributions from the community, whether through tours, ideas, or special objects.
The museum features personalities like Alexander Behm, the inventor of the echo sounder, and local historian Johannes Dörwaldt, who has a dedicated room. It showcases the history of craft and industry in Sternberg, including the production of forest glass and the Technikum, an engineering school.
Katrin Steffen, who began work at the museum in September 2023, found it largely unfinished with empty rooms and objects in boxes. Her focus has been on engaging younger visitors with scavenger hunts, microscopes, and interactive exhibits.
One of the museum's geological treasures on display is the "Sternberger Kuchen," a rock unique to the region. An object can lead to an entire story, like an old poetry album smuggled during the war. The museum also addresses the host desecration trial of 1492, an event that led to the expulsion of the Jewish community in Sternberg.
The museum is open from Thursday to Monday between 1 and 4 pm, with Tuesday and Wednesday being closed. It aims to offer something for everyone, featuring multimedia stations and spontaneous encounters, such as a couple finding their wedding photo.
Looking ahead, the museum is planning to become a meeting place for handicraft circles, silver surfers, men's courses, small courtyard concerts, and thematic special exhibitions. The "Good Neighbor Day" is planned for September 28th.
In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum is open to expanding its collection if special objects are offered. The museum's ongoing programming includes science education camps, specialized paleontology training projects, and weekly summer science demonstrations for community engagement.
A highlight for the upcoming season is the "Sunflower Summer" special event, which includes a $30-$35 cost entry that is eligible for scholarships. For the most precise and updated plans, visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s official website or get in touch directly.
The museum's future plans also include a final block of educational programs and paleontology camps in 2025. While there are no specific upcoming special exhibitions detailed beyond 2025, the museum’s ongoing programming and camps suggest they continue to prioritize hands-on paleontology education and family-friendly events.
A related note: A former Sternberg Museum staff member, Chandler A. Reich, has recently moved on to become executive director of the Hays Arts Council, highlighting a connection to regional arts and engagement communities, which could influence collaborative or cultural programming indirectly.
In summary, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History is set for an exciting year ahead, with a final block of educational programs and paleontology camps planned for 2025, seasonal events like Sunflower Summer with scholarships available, weekly summer science demonstrations for community engagement, and indirect links to broader arts and cultural programming through past staff leadership. For the most precise and updated plans, visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s official website or get in touch directly.
The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is planning to evolve into a vibrant community meeting place, hosting various events such as handicraft circles, small courtyard concerts, and thematic special exhibitions. This home-and-garden setting will also serve as a hub for silver surfers and men's courses.
To truly exemplify the diverse lifestyle of Sternberg, the museum aims to expand its collection by acquiring special objects that encapsulate the region's rich history and culture, such as handcrafted items or family heirlooms, in addition to its ever-growing natural history exhibits.
