On November 12 at 7:00 p.m., Günther Uecker, the DSD’s local curator for Schwerin, will present *The Black Book of Historic Preservation* at the State Library of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
On Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., Günther Uecker will give a lecture titled “The Black Book of Historic Preservation—A Catalog of Lost History” at the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Library, Johannes-Stelling-Straße 29 in 19053 Schwerin. The event is hosted by the Schwerin Local Board of the German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD). Jürgen Hansen, head of the Schwerin Local Board, will present the DSD’s publication—which was released in its second edition in 2026—and provide insights into the challenges of historic preservation in Germany. Admission is free. Donations to support the work of the DSD are gratefully accepted. Registration is required at www.denkmalschutz.de/anmeldung. The lecture will focus on the stories of historic sites that were irretrievably lost in 2024 and 2025. Using selected examples, Hansen illustrates the consequences that demolition, decay, or insufficient protection can have for cultural heritage. At the same time, he takes stock of developments in the German historic preservation landscape and highlights the issues that have particularly shaped historic preservation and conservation during these two years. The Black Book makes it clear that the loss of historic buildings and sites not only alters the appearance of cities and towns but also leaves gaps in cultural memory. Furthermore, the publication offers insights into the fundamentals of historic preservation, highlights current challenges, and presents possible solutions for the preservation of architectural heritage. Following the approximately one-hour lecture, there will be an opportunity for questions, discussion, and exchange.
