Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - a state with unbelievable beautiful landscapes, down to earth residents and an exciting history. Numerous archaeological finds prove that there have been eventful eras between the first settlements in the Palaeolithic age and the modern age.
In today's Mecklenburg Vorpommern, the finding and preservation of archaeological evidence has a long tradition reaching back to the early 16th century. Many other federal states envy us for our comprehensive and precious collection of cultural assets.
Until 1992 we had an archaeological state museum. It was located in the castle of Mecklenburg Vorpommern's capital, Schwerin. But in 1992 the state parliament moved into the rooms and since then we have been waiting for the recreation of the archaeological state museum. We have been promised a museum for 20 years but nothing has happened. Even an urgently needed state depot has not made it yet past the planning stage. Too little is thought and spoken about these matters.
Instead the number of full time archaeologists working for Mecklenburg Vorpommern is continually decreasing.
Right now we are putting our hopes in a newly created post, the professorial chair of archaeology at the university Rostock. There is a running proposal. According to the job description the appointed Professor will be responsible for the creation of a new state museum among other things.
As the funds for fulltime archaeologists are already scarce, we hope that there will be extra funding for the new chair to work with or the creation of a new museum will become future music again.
IPAL is an initiative of volunteer ground monument conservationists. We made it our business to support the creation of a new state museum instead of resigning and accepting the actual situation.
We don't just criticise. We want to approach the politicians in a constructive manner.
While many associate the creation of a new state museum with enormous costs and risks, there are many great positive impacts for our country.