Review of the vernissage: Thank you very much!

We would like to take a moment to express our sincere thanks to all of you a few days after the opening. The opening of our special exhibition “Packsack, Totholz, Kolibri - 70 Years of Folding Canoes from Wismar” not only marks the beginning of a fascinating journey through 70 years of folding canoe history, but also the result of the combined efforts and dedication of many people and institutions.

First of all, we would like to thank all the guests who have found their way to our exhibition. Your interest and enthusiasm are the driving forces that make our efforts complete. The numerous visitors help to ensure that the history of Wismar folding boats remains alive and is carried into the future.

We would also like to express our sincere thanks to our speakers, our association chairwoman Ms. Raum, Mayor Beyer and the collector Mr. Callehn, who once again highlighted the significance of this important piece of Wismar's history with their inspiring words. Our partners and supporters are another important factor in the success of this exhibition. The generous support of the Hanseatic City of Wismar, the Verein Technisches Landesmuseum Mecklenburg-Vorpommern e.V., the Ministry for Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the EGGER Holzwerkstoffe Wismar GmbH & Co. KG and the Sparkasse Wismar has made it possible to realize this project. Their commitment to culture and history is invaluable. We would like to thank the Fachwerkler Group for conception, architecture and design and click solutions GmbH for the design, scenography and software development. This work has given our exhibition its face.

Special thanks go to Mr. Jörg Callehn, whose unique collection forms the basis of this exhibition. His passion for historical folding boats has made this event possible, and we are deeply grateful that he shares his treasures with us. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to the Verein Freunde historischer Faltboote e.V., represented by Mr. Ralf Petsching, for their expertise and generous support.

Last but not least, we would like to thank our team and all those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this exhibition happen. From scientific direction to exhibition construction, education and mediation to design and software development – each and every person has made a valuable contribution.

Overall, we would like to emphasize that this vernissage not only marks the starting point of an exhibition, but also the beginning of a dialogue and a journey through the history and significance of the folding boats from Wismar. May this exhibition not only inform, but also inspire and help to ensure that this unique cultural asset is preserved for a long time to come.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this day an unforgettable event.