Bewegter Donnerstag 2026: Forum for Democracy and Remembrance

At the Kempten City Museum, a continuation of the discussion and lecture evenings under the title "Bewegter Donnerstag" is planned for 2026. The focus is on democratic culture, local contemporary history, and questions of remembrance culture.

Thematic Focuses (expected 2026)

• Democracy in everyday life: civil courage, participation, and forms of municipal involvement
• Local remembrance culture: places of remembrance in Kempten
• History as a contemporary task: learning from the Nazi era

For 2026, hybrid formats are planned so that individual evenings may be available as livestreams or recordings. Interested parties can expect moderated discussion rounds and optional thematic tours.

Experience City History 2026: Tours, Remembrance, Nazi Era

Thematic city tours are announced for 2026, linking Kempten's history with current democracy issues. These include tours to places of persecution and resistance during the Nazi era as well as thematic insights into early modern upheavals.

Planned Key Points 2026

• Timeframe for tours in the city: focus expected from spring to autumn 2026
• Recommended minimum age for Nazi-era tours: 14 years
• Registration: advance registration usually required; quotas may be limited
• Costs: participation fees may apply; discounts are usually indicated

The tours will again focus on reflection in 2026: What does responsibility mean today, and what can democratic action look like in the local environment?

Political Education at VHS 2026

The Kempten Adult Education Center (VHS) is planning a program for 2026 with in-person and online offerings on political education. The aim is to make complex developments understandable and to create points of connection for everyday life.

Expected Program Lines 2026

• Spring semester 2026: international politics, security, global economic issues
• Autumn semester 2026: democracy competence, media and digital competence, municipal participation
• Methodology: lectures, introductions, discussion formats, online lectures

Evening dates and digital options are planned for working people and families. Information on course starts and registration deadlines will be published each semester.

Dialogue Formats 2026: Speaking & Listening

"Speaking & Listening" in 2026 focuses on moderated encounters that promote constructive exchange. The goal is a respectful debate culture, even on controversial topics.

What Participants Can Expect in 2026

• Low-threshold registration and possibly free participation
• Moderated discussion rounds with clear rules for respectful exchange
• Topics such as cohesion, diversity, trust in institutions, and local engagement

The formats are designed for perspective shifts and are aimed at people with different backgrounds.

Freedom Rights, Human Rights, and Allgäu Contemporary History 2026

Thematic series on freedom and human rights are planned for 2026, linking historical developments with current issues.

Planned Focuses 2026

• Historical development of freedom rights: understandable introductions with examples from Europe and Germany
• Human rights in everyday life: protection of minorities, democratic resilience
• Cultural and remembrance formats: traveling exhibitions, film series with moderated audience discussions (e.g., curated films with references to flight and democracy)

Accompanying discussions and teaching materials are planned to facilitate transfer to schools, volunteer work, and the workplace.

Participation, Accessibility, and Online Options

• Registration: Depending on the format, online or on-site registration is planned.
• Accessibility: Organizers provide information on accessibility, companions, and support services.
• Digital: For 2026, livestreams or hybrid solutions are planned for selected events.
• Up-to-dateness: Binding information (dates, locations, fees) is continuously published on the official pages.

FAQ

Where can I find the final dates for 2026?

The binding dates will be published on the respective event pages. Please check the current information from the providers shortly before participating.

Will there be online participation options in 2026?

Yes. Livestreams or recordings are planned for selected lectures and discussion evenings. Details can be found in the respective announcements.

Who are the Nazi-era city tours in 2026 suitable for?

The tours are aimed at young people aged 14 and over and adults. They combine historical classification with reflection on democratic action today.

What costs can be expected in 2026?

Some of the offerings are free of charge, fees may apply for tours and individual courses. Discounts are usually indicated.

How can I find out more about accessibility?

Information on barrier-free access, support, and companions is provided by the organizers in the detailed announcements.

Who curates the thematic focuses?

The content is determined by the respective institutions (e.g., City Museum, VHS, civil society initiatives) and explained in the program publications.

Sources & Further Information

1. City of Kempten (Allgäu) — central information page of the city with references to culture, education, and events (accessed 2025-12-24)
2. VHS Kempten — program overview and registration for political education 2026 (accessed 2025-12-24)
3. "Demokratie leben!" — federal program for the promotion of democracy; framework information on funding lines and local partnerships (accessed 2025-12-24)
4. Culture in Kempten — information on museums, exhibitions, and remembrance formats (accessed 2025-12-24)