Ostfriesisches Freilichtmuseum Krummhörn

Description

The Burgmuseum Pewsum is situated in the centre of Pewsum in East Frisia, a district of the municipality of Krummhörn. The museum is managed by Heimatverein Krummhörn e. V. and is part of the Museumsverbund Ostfriesland.

The collection is housed in the Manningaburg, whose origins date back to the 15th century. The castle was expanded several times over the centuries; however, a steady decline set in from the 17th century. Large parts of the complex were demolished in 1728; what remained chiefly was the lower castle with a core dating from 1458. In 1954 the Heimatverein acquired the complex with the support of regional partners; in 1980 ownership passed to the municipality of Krummhörn. To this day the Heimatverein operates the museum, and parts of the castle are also used as a registry office.

The permanent exhibition is devoted primarily to castle construction in East Frisia and Groningerland, and to the cultural history of the East Frisian chieftains and their families. On display are, among other items, clothing, genealogical materials, political documents, portraits, tombstones, coats of arms and memorial tablets. Remains of the ornamental decoration of the former Pewsum castle complex, together with models of East Frisian castles that no longer exist, complement the presentation. Another focal point is the history of church building in East Frisia and questions of religious practice. Rotating exhibitions broaden the programme. A dedicated section commemorates Hermine Heusler-Edenhuizen, born in the neighbouring Neuen Burg and the first officially recognised and established female gynaecologist in Germany.