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Ramstein has played a key role in the history of the Westpfalz, in particular due its air base. For over seven decades the city of Kaiserslautern has been known as “K-town” and the presence of U.S. Forces in the region has shaped the history of the whole state of Rheinland-Pfalz.
The Docu Center, upon initiative by the State of Rheinland-Pfalz, was established in 2013 and has become a focal point for history which not only displays documents, objects and historical photos, but offers a hands-on and audible chance to experience history.
The center is located in a complex of bright red containers and can easily be spotted just around the corner of Azur swimming pool in Ramstein. Guests are welcomed by the original guard shack that was used at the entrance of the general’s quarters at “Flieger Strasse” in Kaiserslautern, a former housing area for higher U.S. Army officers.
The first so-called “Infotainer” gives an overview of decades of U.S. military presence in the area, focusing on the early years of construction of the initially two area bases Landstuhl and Ramstein, divided by the initial course of A6 Autobahn. This section leads up to the West Gate of Ramstein Air Base. Further topics such as employment opportunities in a war-torn region, the economic upswing in the 1950’s and the overall region becoming known as the “aircraft carrier of the West”.
The second container is themed “Welcome to the Club” with photos of the swinging times in the NCO Club where Americans and Germans alike could swing at dances and musical entertainment. German-American encounters with pop culture, including prominent American and German singers, led to a cultural development in post-war Germany, and served the forerunner of “Americanization” in Germany.
The next container is solely dedicated to the “Flugtag Disaster” in August 1988, where about 350,000 visitors gathered to enjoy American ice-cream and Coca Cola, meet American friends and marvel fascinating flight performances. Unfortunately, during the last highlight of the day, two aircraft from an Italian flight squadron collided during their performance, which led to many spectators being severely or even fatally injured. This quiet spot is intended to be a place of remembrance and solitude and has a collection of original documents to view for those who wish to do so.
The last and largest combination of containers is currently the center of display on the topic Football versus Fussball. It offers a colorful potpourri of items pertaining to the two sports, each played with a ball but in differing shapes. Terrence Boyd, a U.S. player on the 1. Fussball Club Kaiserslautern team signed his original jersey and his spiked soccer shoes are also on display. On the other hand, player Dennis Folz of Kaiserslautern’s American football team Pikes acted as model for the display of a jersey with shoulder pads. There are many other unique items to discover in the display, which is scheduled to last until the end of June.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit this lively center, use the opportunity to step into 70 years history of U.S. presence in the region, a guided tour in English will be offered on May 21, at 3.30 p.m.
Other tours can be arranged upon request, for details contact: mario.aulenbacher@dc-ramstein.de
