What does the landscape tell us about the former noble families of the borderland who had both Polish and German identities? This time our PI, Karolina Ćwiek-Rogalska, became for a while a tourist guide and helped to reveal the multi-layered history of one Pomeranian family to the participants of the bicycle tour, organized by the Wałcz Land Museum.
For hundreds of years, many villages in Wałcz County were divided among different branches of the complicated family tree of von der Goltz family. So, to see some of their properties, the 30-kilometer journey was organized on July 15th by the Museum. Thanks to the idea of the originator of the trip, Natalia Borek, it was a fascinating exploration of the historical landmarks associated with von der Goltzes.
The route included three stops – Kłębowiec (formerly German Klausdorf), Karsibór (Keßburg) and Golce (Goltz), during which various guides talked about particular places. Karolina shared the rich history of von der Goltz family during the exploration of the ruins of the palace complex in Kłębowiec. Although one is not allowed to enter the ruins, it was possible to see the former entrance to the garden, the Evangelical chapel, and the front of the palace, where a cartouche with a coat of arms has been preserved. At each point, the group discussed another aspect of the Goltz family’s history, such as their involvement with the Reformation and what stories are inscribed in their coat of arms. Karolina also talked about the destruction of the palace after the war.
The next point of the trip was Karsibór, where the group had the opportunity to visit the new church which incorporated elements from the old one, standing nearby, and founded by von der Goltz family. It is a good example of how the prewar heritage is entangled with the new one, in this case, it was a church altar. Final stop in Golce finished on the steps of another temple, a timber-framed church that has just been renovated. Additionally, the group were given a special tour of the mill at Młyńska Dolina by its owner, getting a glimpse into its history and plans for the future.
Spectral Recycling team tries not only to pursue with the scientific aspects of our project, but also to engage in local projects and bring closer the fascinating, often hidden history of formerly German things left behind to the local communities. We hope to share with you other examples of such cooperations soon.