Stadtmuseum Alte Burg: Wittenberge's Historical Heart

The Stadtmuseum Alte Burg (Old Castle City Museum) is located in Wittenberge's oldest residential building. Constructed in 1669 as the 'White Castle' for the Gans zu Putlitz family after the Thirty Years' War, the building has served many purposes throughout its history, including a manor house, a gardening center, a school for girls, and a home for the BDM (League of German Girls). In 1971, it became a worker and industry museum before transitioning to the Stadtmuseum. The museum's exhibits focus on Wittenberge's history as an industrial city, with a special emphasis on the Singer and Veritas sewing machine factories that brought the city its nickname, 'Sewing Machine Town'. The displays include historical artifacts, paintings, and video presentations. Visitors can explore recreations of living and school rooms from the 19th and 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into past life. A workshop showcases the history of the Wittenberge sewing machine factory, highlighting the period between 1945 and 1991 when it operated as a 'People-Owned Enterprise' within the socialist system of East Germany. The displays cover the economic and technical aspects of the factory, as well as the social and cultural life of its employees. The museum also has a branch in the Steintor (Stone Gate), the oldest building in Wittenberge. The Steintor features a small exhibit about its own history, including stories of fires and the views from the tower.