Monument Protection Award 2025: Heroes of Preservation Honored in Arolsen!

Monument Protection Award 2025: Heroes of Preservation Honored in Arolsen!

The Waldeck-Frankenberg district's monument protection award was awarded on December 5, 2025 in the festively decorated ballroom of the Schreibersche Haus on Arolser Schlossstrasse. District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst and First District Councilor Karl-Friedrich Frese presented the coveted award, which is given every four years for outstanding monument conservation achievements. The prize is endowed with a proud sum of 5,000 euros and aims to recognize the valuable work of private builders.

This year's winners are the Schwarz couple from Frankenberg-Viermünden and the committed Joachim Hartbaum from Volkmarsen-Ehringen. In addition to these main prizes, a special prize was also awarded to Hannelore and Hans-Jürgen Schäfer for the preservation of the culturally and historically important Schreiber House. This unique building was taken over by the Schäfer Foundation in 2008 to serve as a museum and provide an important point of contact for those interested in history.

Commitment to monument protection

The award winners have committed themselves to monument protection in a remarkable way. The rectory from 1888, which the Schwarz family took over, was mostly rebuilt by themselves. Using modern heating systems such as pellets and a heat pump, the couple shows how historical buildings can be used sustainably. Joachim Hartbaum, on the other hand, had a half-timbered house from 1739 renovated that had been empty for 50 years. His renovation began in spring 2022 and the house was ready for occupancy in October 2023.

Hartbaum attaches great importance to age-appropriate renovations and barrier-free access, which should make the former rectory in Ehringen easier to use for all generations. He praised the cooperation with local craftsmen and the monument preservation department, which made this renovation possible in the first place. The Schäfer Foundation also faced the challenge of dealing with multiple water damages and dry rot infestations after acquiring the Schreiber house.

Monument Protection Award 2025 – application deadline ends soon

A look into the future: The Waldeck-Frankenberg district is once again sponsoring the Monument Protection Prize in 2025 for everyone who would also like to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. Applications are possible until May 31, 2025. The prize is aimed at natural and legal persons who have carried out private construction work in the district and is awarded for special achievements in monument protection.

Applications must contain comprehensive documents so that the expert jury can adequately evaluate the achievements. This includes information about the monument, its history, as well as plans and photos of the renovation work. It is possible to divide the prize between several people, and proposals can be submitted by private individuals as well as by associations and municipalities. Registrations should be submitted digitally under the keyword “Monument Protection Prize 2025”.

As wlz-online reports, the awarding of the monument protection prize impressively shows how important the commitment to historical buildings and their care is. If you also have a knack for monument protection, you should quickly take part and become part of this valuable initiative.

Stay tuned - the Waldeck-Frankenberg district warmly welcomes everyone interested in getting involved in the preservation of our historic buildings and their stories.