What if these walls of the Architectural heritage group Birkenhof could talk? The Architectural heritage group Birkenhof stands as a testament to evolving social care in Hannover. It started as a Magdalenium in 1879. It aimed to help “endangered girls and women.”
These girls and women sometimes were forced into the home by parents and authorities. The goal was to teach them how to earn a living. They learned through housework, cooking, and gardening. Over 8,000 women passed through the Birkenhof’s doors between 1879 and 1954.
In 1927, the Magdalenium changed its name to Birkenhof. The name change was symbolic. “Birke” or birch was supposed to represent “pure maidenhood.”
The Birkenhof expanded in 1947. It took over a former naval barrack in Neuenkirchen. It became known as the “Evangelisches Hospital Neuenkirchen.” The site was returned to the military in 1962. A new independent hospital was established in Lilienthal near Bremen. It was named “Evangelisches Hospital Lilienthal e.V.”
By the 1970s, the Birkenhof was run by “Evangelische Jugend- und Altenheime.” This association was part of the Diakonisches Werk. About 108 children and teenagers lived at the Birkenhof. Stays lasted up to a year. A security guard patrolled the grounds at night with a German Shepherd. The premises were secured with barbed wire on the inside.
The Birkenhof faced serious criticism. A social worker documented “unacceptable and inhumane” conditions. He reported girls were given Valium, Haldol, and Dominal. He filed criminal charges against the management. However, investigations found no threat to the girls’ well-being.
The Birkenhof adapted to new educational approaches after 1978 due to public pressure. The Stiftung Bethel took over the Birkenhof in 2007. This happened when insolvency threatened the institution. It became the headquarters for Bethel’s northern division.
Today, the Birkenhof focuses on elderly care. It operates five nursing homes and a residential care home in Hannover. It is the largest facility of its kind in the city. It employs around 700 people. It has about 800 nursing places. The Birkenhof also trains people in nursing professions. The Birkenhof Jugendhilfe gGmbH manages residential groups in Hannover. They are managed from the Birkenhof. The Architectural heritage group Birkenhof has transformed. It continues to serve the community.