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Award for Safeguarding Historical Landmarks

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Reward for the Preservation of Historic Landmarks
Reward for the Preservation of Historic Landmarks

Award for Safeguarding Historical Landmarks

In the picturesque town of Tuttlingen, history enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a unique museum experience. The German Steam Locomotive and Model Railway Museum, a testament to Germany's railway heritage, is the brainchild of Ingrid Girrbach, who has dedicated over 30 years of her life to its preservation.

Spanning four hectares, the museum site boasts a seven-stall roundhouse and a fully functional turntable. On display are 26 steam locomotives, several diesel and electric locomotives, historical passenger, sleeping, and freight cars, and various other exhibits that offer a glimpse into Germany's railway past.

Ingrid Girrbach's dedication to the former railway workshop in Tuttlingen has not only saved the site from decay but also made it accessible to the public. The museum, under her stewardship, offers guided tours, lectures, and interactive activities for all age groups, ensuring that the rich history of German railways is not just preserved but also shared and enjoyed by visitors.

Girrbach's work goes far beyond the usual scope of civic engagement in heritage conservation. With significant personal funds and effort, she has ensured the museum's continued growth and success, transforming it into a national treasure that combines heritage conservation, technical history, and volunteer engagement.

In recognition of her exceptional work, Ingrid Girrbach was awarded the German Prize for Heritage Conservation 2025 by the German National Committee for Heritage Conservation (DNK). The award, the Silver Half-Sphere, is the highest accolade for civic engagement in heritage conservation in Germany.

The award ceremony will take place on November 3 in Berlin, where the German National Committee for Heritage Conservation will present awards. The Landesdenkmalpflege Baden-Württemberg (State Monument Preservation Baden-Württemberg), the organization that awarded Girrbach the prize, praised her work, stating that the museum in Tuttlingen is unique in its successful integration of various aspects of Germany's railway history and conservation efforts.

Visitors to the museum in Tuttlingen can truly experience history hands-on, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Germany's railway heritage. The museum's continued success is a testament to Ingrid Girrbach's tireless dedication and commitment to preserving and sharing this important part of Germany's past.

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