Nestled in the heart of Schwäbisch Gmünd, the Stadtarchiv Schwäbisch Gmünd is a treasure trove of historical documents and artifacts that offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's storied past. This charming archive, housed in a beautiful half-timbered building, is not only the oldest existing office of the town but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The roots of the Stadtarchiv Schwäbisch Gmünd trace back to the 14th century, with the first mention of the town scribe Berthold in 1337. However, the archive houses documents dating as far back as the late 13th century. The position of the town scribe was a prestigious one, encompassing roles such as the head of administration and the town's legal and archival affairs. This multifaceted role underscores the importance of the archive in the town's governance and history.
Throughout the centuries, the archive has experienced numerous transformations. From 1725 to 1739, Johann Jakob Dudeum reorganized the archive, which was then housed in two locations: the old town hall and the Grät. The Reichsdeputationshauptschluss of the early 19th century brought the archive under the jurisdiction of the Württemberg state archivists, leading to the transfer of some archival materials to the Hauptstaatsarchiv Stuttgart. Despite these changes, efforts were made to preserve and organize the remaining documents, with significant contributions from figures like Paul Wilhelm von Keppler and Paul Friedrich von Stälin in the late 19th century.
The 20th century marked a period of revival for the Stadtarchiv Schwäbisch Gmünd. In 1928, Albert Deibele, a dedicated citizen and future city archivist, discovered remnants of the old city archive in the Prediger and the town hall. His efforts to collect and restore these documents laid the foundation for the official re-establishment of the archive in 1930. The archive's journey through various buildings in Schwäbisch Gmünd eventually led to its current location in the historic house at Augustinerstraße 3 on Münsterplatz.
The archive faced challenges during World War II and the Nazi era, with Deibele being suspended due to his religious beliefs and participation in a Corpus Christi procession. In 1943, the archive's contents were moved to a salt mine in Kochendorf for safekeeping, where they remained until 1947. After the war, the archive continued to grow, with Peter Scherer and Klaus Jürgen Herrmann playing pivotal roles in its development. Today, the archive boasts approximately 4,000 linear meters of archival and collection materials, including 48,000 library media.
The Stadtarchiv Schwäbisch Gmünd is housed in a picturesque half-timbered building that dates back to 1578. Originally constructed as a Latin school under Mayor Paul Goldstainer, the building has served various purposes over the centuries, including as a town scribe's office, an evangelical elementary school, and an evangelical association house. In 1940, the building was acquired by the Evangelical Church for demolition but was later repurposed as the city's archive. Since 1955, it has been exclusively used as an archive, with several renovations ensuring its preservation and functionality.
The building itself is a historical artifact, with its foundation stone preserved in the Stadtmuseum im Prediger. Inside the archive, visitors can find several oil paintings, including a portrait of Mayor Johann Georg Strobel and members of the noble Beroldingen family. Due to limited storage space, the archive also utilizes several emergency magazines, with two located within walking distance on Münsterplatz and a third outside in the former Bismarck barracks on Buchstraße. These additional storage facilities house about a quarter of the archive's total holdings, amounting to approximately 1,000 linear meters of shelving.
The Stadtarchiv Schwäbisch Gmünd's collections are meticulously organized into several categories, each offering unique insights into the town's history:
The Stadtarchiv Schwäbisch Gmünd is not only a repository of historical documents but also a center for research and scholarship. Over the years, it has published a series of works that delve into various aspects of the town's history. These publications cover topics such as the legal status and activities of local monasteries, the public water supply in the 19th century, the history of the Jewish community in Schwäbisch Gmünd, and the town's industrial development, among others.
In conclusion, the Stadtarchiv Schwäbisch Gmünd is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Its rich collections, housed in a charming historic building, offer a unique window into the past, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Schwäbisch Gmünd and the surrounding region.
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