Demokratie bauen!

Hanau-Mittelbuchen: Dorfgemeinschaftshäuser gestern und heute

This three-part series of presentations explores village community centers in Hesse and the RheinMain region as central hubs of social life in rural areas. It traces the history of these centers from their origins in Hesse in the 1950s to current challenges and ideas for the future.

The afternoon event at Hesse’s first village community center in Mittelbuchen traces the history of these centers from their origins in Hesse in the 1950s to current challenges and ideas for the future. Together with the Mittelbuchen Local History Association and guests, the event will explore distinctive features of Hessian and regional history, the contributions of Heinrich Fischer (“Social Re-armament of the Village”), and the significance of the site for democracy and society. Using this specific example, it becomes clear how social developments are reflected in the village community center and how the function, use, and design of these centers have changed from the 1950s to the present day.

The event aims to bring together organizers of village community spaces—including municipalities and associations—to discuss successful frameworks, sustaining local engagement, and the experiences and potential of village community centers as cultural and social hubs.