History of the Pestalozzi-Fröbel-Haus

The Pestalozzi-Fröbel-Haus has a history spanning more than 150 years. Founded in 1874, it was here that Henriette Schrader-Breymann developed her pioneering concept of kindergarten education and combined it with the professional training of young women. The close connection between theory and practice has remained a defining characteristic of the Pestalozzi-Fröbel-Haus ever since.

The kindergarten teachers’ seminar (“House I”), founded by Henriette Schrader-Breymann in 1878, was joined by Hedwig Heyl’s School of Cookery and Home Economics (“House II”) in 1885. In 1925, the Social School for Women founded by Alice Salomon became part of the Pestalozzi-Fröbel-Haus as “House III”.

The history of the institution is documented in a wide range of historical sources, including association records, administrative files, photographs, publications and the personal papers of former students and staff. Although many documents were lost during the Second World War, significant parts of the collection have been preserved and expanded through donations and personal bequests, providing comprehensive documentation of the development of the Pestalozzi-Fröbel-Haus over many decades.

The main focus of the collection is on materials relating to the history of the institution:

• Association records and newsletters
• Commemorative publications, school records and administrative files
• Records and papers of former students
• Writings by the founders and other members of staff
• Documents relating to the welfare institutions
• A photographic collection comprising around 700 photographs, photo albums and other visual materials

Since 2001, we have worked together with the Alice Salomon Archive, which has documents of the Social School for Women from its founding period to the present day.