Rolf Roßmann: Excellent chronicler of the Griesen area!

Rolf Roßmann: Excellent chronicler of the Griesen area!

Ludwigslust, Deutschland - Rolf Roßmann, a 67-year-old historian from Berlin, has the honor of receiving this year's Johannes Gillhoff Literature Prize. The award was presented to him in a solemn framework in the Ludwigsluster town hall. The chairman of the Johannes Gillhoff Society, Hartmut Brun, presented the award together with the Mecklenburg Foundation and the Ludwigslust City Library. Roßmann was honored for his "historical, genealogical and ethnographic publications from the grown area", an area that is particularly important to him. In earlier years, many important historians and cultural scientists were honored with this award. These include personalities such as Kuno Karls, Ralf Wendt and Olaf Both, to name just a few.

his interest in history already unfolded in the 1990s when Roßmann begins to research the history of his own family. The stories that he collects over everyday circumstances - from winter work and Mecklenburg cuisine, to celebrations and the last land meat shops - reflect his deep commitment to the region. "I want to keep memories," emphasizes Roßmann, who has over 150 contemporary witness interviews. In view of the progressive age of contemporary witnesses, he sees the urgent need to document their experiences before they are lost forever.

a life for history

Although Roßmann has lived in Berlin since 1977, he regularly keeps contact with his home country. Here he interviews contemporary witnesses and uses their reports as valuable sources for his publications. The Griese area where he grew up and where his family still lives is not only geographically, but also emotionally a central point of reference.

The Johannes Gillhoff Literature Prize itself was first awarded in 1980 and has since developed into an important award for authors who deal with regional history and culture. Gerhard Gillhoff, the nephew of the namesake, donated the prize in 1978, and since 2007 he has been awarded in its current form, organized by the Johannes-Gillhoff-Gesellschaft.

A look at the award winners

The list of award winners of this literary award shows an impressive series of authors who have recognized themselves through their achievements. Here are some of the last Laureierten personalities:

• 2025: Rolf Roßmann, historian
• 2024: Olaf Both, folklore
• 2023: Joachim Kolmer, writer
• 2022: Ulrike Stern, cultural scientist
• 2021: Dr. Christoph Schmitt, folklore

For Roßmann, the award is not only a personal success, but also a sign of the importance of regional historiography. He follows a tradition that has already shaped many other historians and cultural scientists before him. "The stories of our ancestors are an invaluable heritage," he reflects.

The future of historiography in the Griesen area sees Roßmann with mixed feelings: "It is important that we tell the stories as long as we still have the voices of those who have experienced." The urgency of questioning the contemporary witnesses in good time remains a central concern for him, and so he will continue to work on his projects with full commitment.

The work of Rolf Roßmann impressively shows how important it is to keep history alive and to preserve it for generations. The award with the Johannes Gillhoff Literature Prize is not only an appreciation of his work, but also an impetus for many to explore and capture their own roots and stories of their region.

Further information about the Johannes-Gillhoff Literature Award can be found at Johannes Gillhoff as well as an overview of relevant German literary prices on wikipedia .