What do pottery shards reveal about Bernburg’s past? How is climate change affecting the weather and forests? In the 2026/27 academic year, the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences’ Senior Citizens’ College once again invites participants to discover the region from new perspectives and engage in conversation with one another. The series kicks off on October 15, 2026, with a lecture on the Hugo Jannasch pottery factory in Bernburg.
The factory began production in 1847 on the banks of the Saale River and, by 1860, had become the largest ceramics manufacturer in the Duchy of Anhalt. Its products were even exhibited at world’s fairs in London and Paris. But what exactly was produced back then at the Töpferwiese? And what lies behind the once-celebrated “Askanialith”? Blanka and Ulrich Linnemann explore these questions and bring a piece of the city’s history—now largely forgotten—back to life. Original ceramic shards and an anniversary jug from 1866 will accompany their presentation.
In the coming academic year, topics will range from direct marketing of agricultural products and the loess soils around Bernburg to digital library services and 200 years of theater history, as well as weather and climate and the history of medicine in Bernburg. The series concludes in May 2027 with an excursion to the Bärenthoren permanent forest, focusing on forest management in the context of climate change.
This event series, which has been popular for many years, presents scientific and regional topics in an accessible and relatable way. In addition to new knowledge, it provides a space for questions, personal experiences, and discussion with other interested participants.
The Senior Citizens’ College is open to everyone. There is no age limit or requirement for prior knowledge; participation is free of charge. The lectures take place every Thursday from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. in the Bunge Hall of the Altes Rathaus (Building 28 - Bernburg).
