Ausstellung: Freude und Erholung? Kinderverschickung in Baden-Württemberg 1949–1980

Several million children in Germany were sent to so-called children's cures in the post-war decades, but not all of them found the promised rest and recovery during their stays of several weeks. Many children and adolescents returned home traumatized from the spa and convalescent homes. The first shock for many was the long and often incomprehensible separation from their parents - visits and telephone calls were unwelcome, letters were censored. A strict and loveless atmosphere prevailed in many homes, with those affected reporting various forms of violence and neglect: beatings, forced meals, collective punishments, shaming, sexualized violence, abusive or unauthorized administration of medication and more.

Since May 2022, the State Archives have been working closely with those affected and the Ministry of Social Affairs' round table to discuss, research and come to terms with the issue of child deportation. The exhibition provides an overview of the current state of knowledge about the Kinderverschickung. Comics by Birgit Weyhe are also on display. In her pictures, the artist depicts exemplary scenes that were described in a similar way by many former deportees.

The exhibition can be seen at the Stuttgart Main State Archives until December 6, 2024. Admission is free.

Opening hours:

Monday to Wednesday 8.30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday 8.30 - 19.00
Friday 8.30 - 16.00

Public guided tours

Guided tours at 11:30 am:

• Tuesday, 8.10.
• Tuesday, 15.10.
• Tuesday 22.10.
• Tuesday, 29.10.

Evening tour at 17:00:

• Thursday, 17.10.