Objekt des Monats
Jedes Objekt in der Sammlung des Deutschen Auswandererhauses erzählt eine ganz persönliche Auswanderungs- oder Einwanderungsgeschichte. In dieser Rubrik stellen wir Ihnen jeden Monat ein anderes Objekt vor – eine Fotografie, ein Dokument oder ein persönliches Erinnerungsstück.
February 2018
Order from the Carnival Prince of Würzburg: Helmuth Osmers, from the year 1956
Historical Context
The Carnival Prince is a special title within Carnival, awarded to a person who has made notable contributions in regards to the association and the general ‘Narretei’. As the head of the jesters, he is elected for the reign of the fifth season. Depending on the location and tradition, he may share this title with others. In the early 19th century, these orders were not yet considered honors, but were meant to humorously emphasize the disdain for the Prussian order bearers. At that time, it was common for military or politically active authorities in Prussia to wear multiple orders simultaneously. The introduction of Carnival orders was intended as a countermeasure to this ostentation.
Short Biography
Helmuth Osmers was born in November 1929 in America. His parents, originally from Germany, met in New York. From the age of two, Helmuth Osmers lived with his grandparents in Germany, while his parents remained in the USA for work reasons. Because of this, Helmuth Osmers’s life was marked by constant movements between the USA and Germany, which he undertook from a young age. Even later in life, he did not hesitate to make this transition between continents primarily for professional reasons. In his free time, he was active in the Carnival association in Würzburg and was eventually named Prince of Würzburg in 1965.
Significance of the Object
For Helmuth Osmers, the carnival order symbolizes a sense of home that includes not only Germany but also the USA as important reference points in his life. His involvement in the association provides the foundation for building valuable interpersonal relationships, which ultimately led to the creation of this object. In his honor, both the Old Main Bridge of Würzburg and the skyline of New York can be seen on the order. Helmuth Osmers, who was born in America and spent a large part of his childhood in Germany, feels a deep connection to both places.
Do You Also Have …
… a story of emigration or immigration in your family that you would like to share with the German Emigration Center together with the related objects and documents for its collection? Then please contact Dr. Tanja Fittkau by phone at +49 471 / 90 22 0 – 0
or by e-mail at: t.fittkau@dah-bremerhaven.de