Dr. Thomas Kühn (Ihlienworth): Flutes, Skiffs, and Barges – An Approach to the Hadelner Sietland

The wreck of an oak barge is becoming a time machine: Through the history of a simple barge, the living conditions of the people in the region over the last centuries are revealed. It was an indispensable means of transportation at every farm in the Hadelner Sietland, reliable in every season. Women and children were also made independent and mobile by it. Its particular significance for everyday life in the region, for trade and profession, as well as in times of difficulty, is further highlighted by the fact that it received its own name here, and was called "Flöten" (pronounced: Fleuten). The Flöten were even regularly used in some areas until the 1960s. Through numerous images, contemporary descriptions, and other historical sources, the presentation illustrates and documents the importance of these barges for the people. Dr. Thomas Kühn was the long-time scientific director at the Hygiene Institute of the State of Hamburg. His book, "Flöten, Schipp und Kahn – Historical Watercraft in Land Hadeln," published by the Heimat- und Kulturverein Ihlienworth e. V., Berlin 2024, serves as the basis for the presentation.