Symposium "Johann Peter Hebel—Prelate, Poet, Man"

The City of Schwetzingen, in cooperation with the Schwetzingen District Adult Education Center, the Schwetzingen Regional Group of the Landesverein Badische Heimat e. V., and the Mannheimer Altertumsverein von 1859 e. V. To mark the 200th anniversary of Johann Peter Hebel’s death, the City of Schwetzingen, in cooperation with Badische Heimat (Schwetzingen Local Group), the Mannheim Antiquarian Society, and the Schwetzingen District Adult Education Center, is hosting the symposium “Johann Peter Hebel – Prelate, Poet, Man.” The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Palais Hirsch (lecture hall on the ground floor). The symposium will explore the multifaceted life, work, and legacy of this significant writer, theologian, and educator. Five scholarly presentations will examine central aspects of his work from various perspectives. Topics will include Hebel’s theology and his view of humanity, the history of the reception of his “Biblical Stories,” his letters and narratives, as well as his remarkably modern understanding of nature and ecology. A literary-musical performance accompanied by cello rounds out the program. The event will begin with a brief introduction on the significance of Schwetzingen during Hebel’s time. Following a welcome address by Mayor Matthias Steffan and an introduction by moderator Lars Maurer (Museum of the City of Schwetzingen), the program will begin with a brief introduction by City Archivist Joachim Kresin. This will be followed by presentations by Prof. Dr. Traugott Schächtele, Elmar Vogt, Prof. Dr. Hermann Wiegand, and Rosmarie Wiegand, as well as a concluding performance by Martin Jösel with cellist Ute Hüffmann. The event is aimed at a broad audience interested in culture as well as experts in literature, history, and theology, and invites attendees to rediscover Johann Peter Hebel. **Admission is free. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.** **Please register with:** **Museum Director Lars Maurer** **lars.maurer@schwetzingen.de** **06202 / 87-468**