1) Which site do you associate your first World Heritage memories with?
My first World Heritage memories I associate with the World Heritage site of “Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square” as I was born and grew up in the city of Würzburg situated in the midst of the Franconian vineyards. Growing up, I spent time listening to Mozart’s Kleine Nachtmusik in the Residence Gardens and roaming its court rooms during its white night, admiring Tiepolo’s ceiling fresco. Later on, I had the privilege to study in its west wing as the Department of Classical Archaeology is located there. During spring and summer a breeze of spicy garden flowers would enter the library windows, the sun shining its warm light on the books and benches. During fall, the smell of fermenting grapes would rise from the wine cellars below. And in winter, when the fountains would freeze the Court Gardens became a magical place. All of this left me with a love for castles and gardens but also a romantic idea of them. With time, I’ve come to see their dark side, always looming always being there. The stories that speak of power and ego, of fear and oppression.
The side that is part of our shared humanity too. That needs our love to come to the light. To be accepted and to give us a chance to make a different choice.
2) How did your professional journey in the heritage sector begin?
My professional journey in heritage has come out of different loves and interests. My desire, like so many of us, to make a change, to protect nature and save the planet, my fascination with old buildings and places that tell stories and stimulate the imagination, nine years of Latin and an interest in Roman culture, as well as my love for films and in particular for Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park at the time. So I started studying Classical Archaeology, with Geology-Paleontology and Geography as minor subjects, combining my love for both culture and nature.
3) In your opinion, what are currently the biggest challenges in the heritage sector?
The biggest challenge in my opinion is climate change and the deeper issue of humans accepting realities for what they are and taking informed action. The politicization of heritage, that heritage places are not meant to be grounds for ego battles or prestige objects, but places to learn about and understand cultures, the things that we share and that make us unique. And the acceptance that we are all humans, sharing both the light and the dark.
4) Which skills do you think will be important in the future for the heritage sector
Listening. Really listening. With the heart. Empathy and the skill to loose. And action that comes from a place of humility.
5) Which advice would you like to give to young heritage professionals?
Follow your heart. Do what you love. Learn to do it for the love of it. Never give up on your dream but let go of the fantasy. It’s a lot of luck as well. But doing it for the love of it will keep you going. It’s okay to make mistakes and take detours, life isn’t linear. Love out very day.
Practice bravery every day. Don’t let anyone deter you. Nobody might have walked the path your on but that’s only because it’s your own – how could anyone else have walked it.
Judith Herrmann
Foto: (c) Kay-Guido Schneider