Brochure "Two names, one city - tracing the renaming of Karl-Marx-Stadt to Chemnitz" available again
Due to the very high demand from Chemnitz citizens, the brochure on the renaming of the city "Two names, one city" has been reprinted. The brochure is now available again free of charge from the town hall.
The 25-page brochure tells stories from the city's renaming in 1953 and its renaming back in 1990, including photos by Helmut Pfeifer from the archives of Claus Modaleck. Further material comes from the Chemnitz City Archive, the Office of the Federal Commissioner for Stasi Records and other contemporary witnesses. Those involved in the renaming process talk about their motivation, feelings, ambivalence and passions. The interviewees included tower keeper Stefan Weber (it was one of his last interviews), honorary citizen and former superintendent Christoph Magirius, former Lord Mayor Dr Eberhard Langer, co-organiser of the referendum Claus Modaleck and Manfred Hastedt, head of the Environmental Centre - representing the many reunification projects that have emerged over the past 25 years.
The history of the names Chemnitz and Karl-Marx-Stadt is also available to listen to. The radio play "Two names, one city - an acoustic journey through time to the renaming and renaming of Chemnitz" was produced to mark the 25th anniversary of the renaming and reflects the social upheaval in both 1953 and 1990. Contemporary witness and co-organiser of the referendum Claus Modaleck was on hand to answer questions. The radio play is available as a free download on the city's online channels.
Link: http://www.die-stadt-bin-ich.de/namensgeschichte-der-stadt-auch-zum-hoeren/