Russell Baldner presented “Berlin: Before and After the Wall Fell” on Wednesday evening, July 17th, at 6:30 PM at the German American Museum in St. Lucas. Russell began with the context of post-World War II Germany and the Cold War.  His talk was richly illustrated with numerous photos.

Berlin, Germany’s capital, dates to the 13th century. Reminders of the city’s turbulent 20th-century history include its Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall’s graffiti remains. Divided during the Cold War, its 18th-century Brandenburg Gate has become a symbol of reunification. The city’s also known for its art scene and modern landmarks like the gold-colored, swoop-roofed Berliner Philharmonie, built in 1963, per Google.

“Berlin: Before and After the Wall Fell” featured historical interpretation and photos of Berlin and the infamous Berlin Wall taken by Mr. Baldner in 1969, eight years after the wall was raised, juxtaposed with the same contrasting locations today. Iconic Berlin landmarks include the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche (Emperor William Memorial Church), including its poignant “judgment of God” acknowledgement and admonition as well as Sunday morning Gottesdienst (worship).

The presentational also covered the historic and beautifully restored Reichstag national capitol building, including its “black box” death of democracy memorial and a dramatic ascent of its spectacular, new, sparkling glass dome; and the classic Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate), a historic prominent symbol of Berlin. 

The Brandenburg Gate was a memorial to political division from 1961 to 1989. After the construction of the Berlin Wall, it was located in the restricted area and could not be visited by East or West Germans. After the fall of the Wall, the gate became a symbol of German unity. Berlin.de Website.  

Located nearby and on a stroll along Unter den Linden (Under the Linden Trees), Berlin’s Main Street, are sober memorials and poignant reminders of the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Nazi era purging and burning of books, and the Victims of War and Dictatorship, all of which also serve as cautionary lessons for present and future generations.  

Russ’s walk across the heart of the city included the lovely Museum Island, the opulent Berliner Dom (cathedral), the soaring Fernsehturm (TV tower).  He showed photos of the view of the city from more than 650 feet above it, and a perfect day blue-sky cruise on the River Spree through the heart of Berlin. 

Russ’s presentation shared nuggets of Berliner wit and a little light-hearted fare, both historical and current.  The program closed on a reflective note with historical ironies and a retrospective look at the dramatic events which led to the Fall of the Wall, soon 35 years ago, and photographs and prophetic words—spoken five days after the erection of the wall—which require no comment.  

Come and enjoy a step back into recent German history, said Carl Most, a founding member of the St. Lucas Historical Society. Twenty five persons enjoyed  the presentation that was followed by lively discussion with light refreshments, cookies and pastries.