Return of Historical Documents to Osthaus Museum: Unveiling the Timeline of The Hague's Past
In a significant move, the FernUniversität Hagen has handed over a collection of historical documents to the Osthaus Museum in Hagen. These documents, dating back nearly 120 years, offer a unique insight into the history of the property, the museum, and the cultural and architectural development of the city.
The journey begins in 1906 when Karl Ernst Osthaus, a student at the time, took out a mortgage of 150,000 marks on the museum building property. This mortgage, confirmed by a mortgage letter and a loan certificate from Sparkasse Hagen, likely served as the foundation for financing the purchase of the property in Hohenhagen and the realization of the villa colony on the Stirnband.
After Osthaus's death in 1921, the museum building was sold to the communal electricity works "Mark". However, the documents remained, providing a continuous thread through the decades, including the mortgage's role in the construction of the Hohenhof.
The documents were previously in the archive of the Westphalian local historian Dr. Friedrich Boecker, who received them in 1991 from Elektromark. Boecker, the first director of the Osthaus Museum, included them in his collection.
Prof. Dr. Rainer Stamm, Director of the Osthaus Museum, emphasized the importance of the handover, stating that these documents are an important supplement for the internationally renowned Osthaus Archive. They are significant for the preservation and research of the Hagen heritage.
The documents belong to the history of the property at Hochstraße 73, where the museum is located today. They supplement the museum's archives with important documents, such as correspondence, acquisition records, and other archival materials that illustrate the museum's creation and evolution.
Renate Seiler, head of the archive of the FernUniversität, expressed her pleasure about the documents now being accessible to researchers and interested parties. She believes that this cooperation between cultural institutions in Hagen demonstrates the value of exchange.
The regular opening hours of the museum provide opportunities for interested parties to learn about the historical written pieces. These documents, now stored in the Osthaus Museum at Hochstraße 73, will be accessible to the public and for research purposes.
Prof. Dr. Stefan Stürmer, Rector of the FernUniversität, handed over the valuable archival materials at an official ceremony. The old written pieces supplement the museum's archives with important documents, further enriching the understanding of the Osthaus Museum's history and its role in the art world.
The Osthaus Museum, originating as a center for modern art, reflects the vision of its founder, Karl Ernst Osthaus, a prominent art patron and collector instrumental in promoting avant-garde art in early 20th-century Germany. The museum continues to uphold Osthaus's vision, hosting contemporary and historic art exhibitions, such as those featuring art from the Altana Cultural Foundation.
These historical documents offer a valuable addition to the Osthaus Archive, providing a journey back in time to the history of the Hagen impulse and the development of the museum. They serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts between cultural institutions in preserving and promoting Hagen's rich cultural heritage.
The collection of historical documents, including a mortgage letter and a loan certificate from 1906, provides a unique insight into the home-and-garden lifestyle and cultural development of Hagen, showcasing the early steps in financing the purchase of the property in Hohenhagen and the villa colony on the Stirnband.
These documents, now accessible to the public and researchers at the Osthaus Museum, offer a valuable addition to understanding the lifestyle, historical context, and evolution of the museum, as well as its role in the art world and preservation of Hagen's rich cultural heritage.
