The Meppen City Museum is taking part in the theme and anniversary year “75 years of the Emsland Plan” with a multifaceted exhibition. The subject is the work of “Emsland GmbH” as reflected in its PR and public relations work, which opens up a new perspective and a fresh look at the subject of the “Emsland Plan”. With spectacular objects and stagings, not only the PR work itself but also the development of communication, advertising and (mass) media in the second half of the 20th century are traced using the local example. Shortly after the GmbH was founded in March 1951, it became clear how much importance was attached to press and public relations work by the company. “There is no question,” wrote the first managing director, Johann Dietrich Lauenstein, on March 19, 1951, “that propaganda and education are important tools for achieving a set goal.” The management knew that an “image” had to be built up for the company and its activities – and ultimately for Emsland itself: the implementation of the Emsland Plan, the GmbH and the region were to be developed as “brands”. Through its public relations work, Emsland GmbH not only provided a comprehensive performance report, but also created a “corridor” for the evaluation, assessment and interpretation of the Emsland Plan, which made itself felt in the reception, in journalism and not least in the anniversaries celebrated since 1951. The exhibition will be accompanied by an educational program and a series of events including lectures, film screenings and excursions at the Stadtmuseum.

Place: City Museum Meppen

Admission: adults €4, families €7, children (6-16 years) €2