Refurbishment in Eberstadt brings Kassette to light from 1899 - return of the statue is imminent
In the course of the comprehensive renovation of the Germania monument in Darmstadt-Eberstadt, a historic metal cassette from 1899 was opened-including handwritten document and documents from the time of the foundation stone. The newly gilded inscription and an repaired base are currently preparing the return of the Germania statue to its original location near the Trinity Church.
Cassette with historical and current documents
Since June 20, 2025, the base has contained a mixture of historical and current contemporary witnesses: an edition of the Darmstadt echo from the same day, euro coins, a flyer of the yolk foundation, a business card of the responsible stonemason Jonas Neukirchen, a copy of the document from 1899 and a new text to open the cassette-signed by district administrator Lud Achenbach and Dr. Erich Kraft from the History Association Eberstadt-Frankenstein.
Peace symbol instead of war monument
The Germania figure from 1899 was originally built to remember the Eberstadt participants of the Franco-German War of 1870/71. But she deliberately conveys a peaceful picture: the sword is not collected, but is worn out on the belt. The Hans Erich and Marie Elfriede Dotter Foundation, the main promotion of the renovation, therefore sees the monument as a European Peace Memorial.
The cracks in the base, which impaired steadfastness, made a renovation absolutely necessary. This was carried out professionally in coordination with the cultural office and the preservation of monuments.
Hope for the future
With a view to upcoming generations, the new documentary in the base contains a clear message: "May future finders read this text in a peaceful Germany and Europe!" - This is how the current accompanying text ends.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/Stip)
