Volunteer rescuers: State monument awards for Western Pomerania awarded!

Volunteer rescuers: State monument awards for Western Pomerania awarded!

On September 14, 2025, monument protection enthusiasts celebrated the awarding of the annual state monument awards in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in the picturesque Penkun Castle. Culture Minister Bettina Martin (SPD) honored outstanding achievements in monument protection, which not only preserve the cultural heritage but also strengthen the region's identity. How NDR reports, the renowned Friedrich Lisch Monument Prize 2025 went to the “Dorfkirchen in Not” association, which has been fighting tirelessly for the preservation of endangered village churches for over 30 years. Under the leadership of Jens Amelung, the association has collected over 2.1 million euros in donations and used it to restore more than 200 churches. This impressive achievement was recognized with prize money of 4,000 euros.

But that wasn't all: the Young Community of Loitz also received the "DENK MAL! Prize" for children and young people. Their project to restore coats of arms in the church that are over 400 years old was met with great response. The restoration was accompanied by a 20-minute film, which can be accessed via a QR code in the church. The award was worth 700 euros. The minister particularly emphasized the importance of such projects for young people and monument protection.

Recognition for further outstanding projects

Another highlight of the award ceremony was the honorable mention for the Kemnitz-Hanshagen Evangelical Church Community. They received 300 euros for the comprehensive renovation of the Ludwigsburg Palace Chapel, which was carried out over 15 years. In addition, two valuable paintings were restored, which are attributed to the well-known artist Friedrich August von Klinkowström. The commitment of all award winners shows how important civil society is for monument protection in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Minister Martin also discussed the country's plans to provide over 3.5 million euros annually for the renovation of churches by 2029. This measure shows that the care of monuments and the engagement of the population are a priority for the state government. The event also coincided with the nationwide “Open Monument Day”, which further increased public attention to monument protection.

Cultural heritage in focus

A look beyond national borders shows that monument protection also plays an important role at the national level. According to the German Monument Protection Foundation Up to 600 renovation projects in Germany are funded every year. The funding volume amounts to around 20 million euros, so that important churches, castles, historical gardens and other charming buildings are just waiting to be restored.

Overall, the award ceremony in Penkun shows that solid foundations are being laid for the preservation of cultural diversity in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The commitment of the award winners means a benefit for society as a whole and binds people more closely to their heritage.