"German individual exhibiting ordinary characteristics"
In Pforzheim, Germany, on May 7, 2025, the City Archives commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Titled "Ordinary Germans," the event was held at the Reuchlinhaus and offered a personal perspective on the war years.
This evening paid tribute to the Pforzheim Goldbach family, providing a glimpse of their experiences during the conflict. The significance of this event was underscored by Mayor Peter Boch, who emphasized the responsibility of history, not only for the present generation but also for those who will follow.
Valentin Bartzsch, Lisa Ströckens, and Stephan Goldbach—the family's great-grandson—offered a moving musical reading. This captivating performance was based on private letters from the Goldbach estate, now housed by the city archives.
The reading, accompanied by powerful musical contributions, highlighted themes of hope, confusion, loss, and memory. The local connection to Pforzheim gives the performance an added poignancy, striking a chord with many attendees.
Historically, Pforzheim holds significance as a city impacted by Allied advances and wartime destruction. With archives typically preserving historical records and artifacts, it is likely that the event included documents, photographs, testimonies, or exhibitions related to the lives of everyday Germans during the war.
This type of commemoration aims to humanize historical narratives by focusing on personal and local histories. By remembering the experiences of ordinary Germans during World War II, we continue to foster remembrance and historical understanding relevant to Pforzheim and broader German history.
The Goldbach family's musical reading at the Reuchlinhaus provided an engaging blend of family history and entertainment, drawing upon private letters from their estate archived in the city archives. As the event progressed, it served as a poignant reminder of ordinary Germans' personal experiences during the World War II years, offering a fresh perspective on the city's history.
