As part of its anniversary celebrations, the State Office (LAKD) hosted a concert and a commemorative ceremony at Schwerin Cathedral on 17 May 2026. Already during the concert, it became clear how significant the collaboration between the State Office’s archives, repositories and collections is. For instance, Thomas Fritzsch played a historical instrument from the State Library: the ducal viola da gamba, crafted in 1778 by the Viennese instrument maker Joann Joseph Stadlmann. The sheet music he performed alongside other musicians, who equally played on historical instruments, came from the State Library’s extensive music collection and had been prepared by him for the concert. The original sheet music was also on display for visitors to admire during an intermission. Thus, cultural heritage could be experienced in various ways.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Bettina Martin, Minister of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs for the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, emphasised: “Cultural heritage is not a luxury—it is a cornerstone of our society. It provides direction, fosters cohesion and opens up opportunities for education, science, tourism, and regional development.” She thanked the staff of the State Office for their commitment to the state’s cultural heritage and wished them and their Director, Dr. Ramona Dornbusch, much strength and the necessary political support for the coming years.
In her keynote address, Dr Dornbusch traced the history of the State Office over the past twenty years, a period characterised by the consolidation of previously independent institutions into the State Office’s four current departments: the State Library, the State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, the State Archives and the State Archaeological Service. This has resulted in a significant increase in the integration of specialist expertise and the exploitation of synergies. Dr Dornbusch made a very powerful case for the importance of communicating and experiencing culture: “Cultural heritage need not only be preserved. It must also be explained, contextualized, and made understandable. For only what people understand can they recognise as valuable. And only what they recognize as valuable will they also perceive as worthy of protection.”
KreativEU congratulates the LAKD on its anniversary and looks forward to joint projects, in which they collaborate on the preservation and experience of cultural heritage, such as the KreativEU Walking Seminar “Changing Cultural Landscapes. Pomerania – the Land by the Sea” taking place at the University in Greifswald in June 2026.