A "hotspot" of school education

From the middle of the 19th century onwards, Menzingen has been regarded as an important location in the history of the school system in Central Switzerland. A new cultural project will introduce interested parties to the impressive development of the village in this area.

The recent history of the municipality of Menzingen is strongly linked to the education system – this was and is almost a tradition for the village on the mountain, as well as a livelihood, and has shaped the townscape. Records show that there was a public schoolhouse here as early as the year 1606, and a craft fraternity (Handwerksbruderschaft) the " Menzingen Mastership", was founded in 1821, and was responsible for training journeymen (skilled craftsmen).

The foundation of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross (Kongregation der Schwestern vom Heiligen Kreuz)  by Capuchin Father Theodosius Florentini and Sister Bernarda Heimgartner in 1844 was, however, particularly ground-breaking for the future of Menzingen as a centre of education, with the mission of the sisters being the education of girls and young women. "And that was something remarkable for the time, especially from an emancipatory point of view," explains art historian Brigitte Moser from Zug. "Especially because compulsory schooling was not introduced until five years later." The religious community grew rapidly, and the education it provided was extremely successful, even far beyond the cantonal and state borders.

Educational trail with attractive views
The art historian has dedicated her latest cultural project to the special position of Menzingen as a historically important place for education. In a low-threshold and vivid way, the "Education Path Menzingen" conveys the various aspects, which, since then, have made the municipality into the "hotspot" of school education in the broad sense. The educational path is laid out in the form of a tour can be be followed with little effort – even by wheelchair or with pushchairs – and includes the attractive landscapes in and around Menzingen. At each stations, clearly laid-out, large-format information boards explain the respective object. "The panels are deliberately placed in such a way that they represent a clear added value, but do not impose themselves and certainly don’t disturb the appearance of the object under consideration," explains Brigitte Moser. She describes the project in three words - as "history on the ground".

Art historian Brigitte Moser in front of the plaque at the Haus Maria vom Berg, which is visible in the background. The Menzingen municipal councillor Barbara Beck-Iselin (left) will support the project as a representative of the municipality.

The tour is not only educational, but also culturally and historically interesting, especially as the historical building material preserved from the former, or still existing Menzingen educational sites bears witness to the significant  past. Starting with the "core element" of Menzingen educational history, the Sisters' Institute, the path leads past the neo-Baroque candidate house, Villa Tharsilla, to the former boarding house, Maria vom Berg, and the former ‘Bernarda’ seminary, which is now the cantonal school. The Hof Neuhus then follows after an path over the open fields. The characteristic farmhouse, with ‘economy’ buildings relates to the earlier form of agricultural education. And then, at the Vereinshaus Menzingen (Menzingen clubhouse), you can follow in the footsteps of practised ‘social Catholicism’, with which the Federal Councillor Philipp Etter, who came from Menzingen, was directly connected. How? Here, too, a panel provides information.
And there are concrete reasons why the two schoolhouses, Dorf and Marianum, are located at the middle of the village. The core tour ends with the "Schuhmacherhaus" (shoemaker’s house) as an example for thriving small businesses and craftsman training in the village. The three other stations are located outside the village: the Lassalle House in Edlibach, the Finstersee schoolhouse and the school/holiday home on the Gottschalkenberg, which are all  closely linked to the educational history of Menzingen. "This is all still very present, thanks to the buildings that still exist," says Brigitte Moser. "And the municipality of Menzingen is, quite rightly, proud of its past with regard to school education."

Broadly supported project
The community was correspondingly interested in Brigitte Moser's idea for the permanent cultural project for this signposted "educational path". "This will not only provide valuable mediation work on our own history," says the art historian. "The canton of Zug has a broad and interesting cultural landscape. Highlighting this and making it tangible for everyone is an important contribution to the quality of life – and it is a source of identity."

The "Education Path Menzingen" is broadly supported: the project is sponsored by the municipality of Menzingen; and the Sisters' Institute, the Civic Community, the Catholic parish as well as the canton and city of Zug are also on board. Brigitte Moser worked together with historian Thomas Zaugg and the name researcher Beat Dittli to rework the content, while the Kleeb-Lötscher graphic studio and Regine Giesecke are responsible for the design and photography.

The concept includes a handy brochure, which can either be downloaded from the Internet (link at the end of the text) or purchased free of charge in several public places, such as the municipality, libraries, the State Archives or at Zug Tourism.

Note
The "Menzingen Educational Route" will be officially opened from Saturday, 6 June. Due to the current situation, the opening ceremony has been postponed, probably until Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. www.bildungsweg-menzingen.ch