"From Quill and Slide Rule" - School at Kiekeberg - Unique Exhibition 'From Quill and Slide Rule' Opens at Kiekeberg Museum
The Kiekeberg Open-Air Museum in Rosengarten, Germany, is set to host a unique exhibition titled 'From Quill and Slide Rule: The Evolution of Rural Education' from August 17, 2026. This fascinating journey through time is made possible by the invaluable contribution of Christine Strüfing, a former school principal from Schleswig-Holstein, who has dedicated over 60 years to collecting and preserving educational artifacts and documents.
Strüfing's collection, spanning over a century from around 1830 to 1950, includes a wealth of items such as maps, chalkboards, and fairy-tale cards. These artifacts tell the story of teaching methods and classroom life in rural Germany. The exhibition will trace the transformation of education over two centuries, offering visitors a chance to explore the past and appreciate the evolution of teaching.
Strüfing, now 81, began her collection while still a school principal. She would often transform a room at the Gettorf local history museum into a 1900s classroom, bringing history to life through historical reenactments. Her dedication has resulted in a substantial collection, with items sent to her from across Schleswig-Holstein. The Kiekeberg Open-Air Museum's director, Stefan Zimmermann, considers Strüfing's collection an invaluable gain, bringing unique artifacts, decades of knowledge, stories, and experiences to the museum.
The 'From Quill and Slide Rule' exhibition is a testament to Christine Strüfing's lifelong passion for preserving educational history. Her collection provides a unique insight into rural schooling in Germany, offering visitors a chance to understand and appreciate the evolution of teaching methods over two centuries.
