Feb 22 • 10:46 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany SZ

Historical Collectibles: When Typewriters Write History

The House of Bavarian History in Regensburg now also preserves the typewriter of Kurt Eisner, adding to its rich collection of historically significant artifacts.

The House of Bavarian History in Regensburg has taken on new significance by adding the typewriter of Kurt Eisner, the first Minister-President of Bavaria, to its collection. Eisner, a pivotal figure in Bavarian history, used a 1914 Mercedes typewriter to compose his texts before his assassination on February 21, 1919, in Munich. This acquisition underscores the museum's commitment to using tangible objects to narrate historical stories vividly.

In addition to the typewriter, the museum houses other significant artifacts, including traditional Bavarian lederhosen that belonged to notable figures such as writer Oskar Maria Graf and journalist Karl Stankiewitz. Graf's lederhosen have a storied past, having accompanied him during a revolution and into exile, while Stankiewitz purchased his with the first D-Marks after Germany's currency reform. These items not only celebrate Bavarian culture but also connect its history with personal narratives.

The museum's decision to document history through everyday objects reflects a growing trend in museums to engage the public by intertwining personal stories with broader historical events. With the endorsement of handwriting expert Bernhard Haas confirming the authenticity of Eisner's typewriter, the collection is not just about preserving artifacts; it is about bringing history to life and making it accessible to a wider audience in Bavaria and beyond.

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