Stiftung "Begegnungsstätte für jüdische Geschichte und Kultur"

The Stiftung Begegnungsstätte für jüdische Geschichte und Kultur in Rostock, known as the Max Samuel House, maintains a meeting, cultural, and research center in the historic villa at Schillerplatz 10. The foundation preserves the memory of Max Samuel and documents Jewish history in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Its offerings include a publicly accessible library with a focus on Jewish history, 14 in-house publications, thematic exhibitions, readings, concerts, and lectures. A special emphasis is placed on the Stolpersteine and memorial stones in Rostock, which make the victims of National Socialism visible. The work is supported by a voluntary foundation board, a board of trustees, and the support association "Verein der Freunde und Förderer des Max-Samuel-Hauses e.V."

The foundation aims to impart knowledge about Jewish history and culture in Rostock, thereby sustainably combating antisemitism and intolerance. It promotes engagement with the Jewish heritage through educational and cultural offerings and contributes to intercultural dialogue and democratic coexistence.

The offerings of the Max Samuel House are aimed at a broad audience: adults, school classes and youth groups from around 13 years of age, students, scholars, and interested individuals of all ages. Specific programs for school classes and adult groups (e.g., city tours, workshops, source analysis) convey historical content vividly and promote an understanding of democracy. Likewise, local as well as regional guests and experts engaged in Jewish history, cultural research, and memory culture are addressed.