Isn’t it remarkable how a simple plaque can unlock a story? Right here on Kapuzinerstraße 11 stands the Dr. Heinrich Friedrich August Heinkelmann Plaque. It commemorates a man who was more than just a doctor. Heinkelmann was a political activist in turbulent times.
Heinrich Friedrich August Heinkelmann was born in Bamberg in 1807. He died here in 1866. The plaque was placed on his former residence on the 15th of February 2016. The Ärtzlicher Kreisverband Bamberg dedicated it to him.
Originally Heinkelmann studied law in Munich, Erlangen and Jena. Like his friend Nikolaus Titus he wanted to become a lawyer. But Heinkelmann failed his exams for political reasons. He then switched to medicine and earned his doctorate in 1836.
From 1839 he worked as a doctor in Ebensfeld. In 1846 he returned to his hometown of Bamberg to practice medicine. Sadly Heinkelmann succumbed to tuberculosis.
During his student years Heinkelmann became involved in student fraternities. In 1827 he joined the Burschenschaft Markomannia Munich. Later he was a member of other fraternities in Munich, Erlangen, Würzburg and Jena. These affiliations led to his inclusion in the “Black Book” of the Frankfurt Federal Central Authority. He was monitored because of his fraternity activities.
Heinkelmann was a prominent figure in the 1848/49 Revolution. He and Nikolaus Titus were Bamberg’s leading democrats. Even before the revolution Heinkelmann was politically active. Once he was even investigated for high treason. In June 1849 he was arrested again. Although acquitted his health suffered. He never fully recovered.
An interesting side note: Heinkelmann had a son with Justina Wilhelmina Schedel. She was thirty years younger than him. Their son Joseph Schedel became a pharmacist and collector.
The Dr. Heinrich Friedrich August Heinkelmann Plaque reminds us of a man of conviction. Heinkelmann stood up for his beliefs during a period of great change. Heinkelmann’s story connects medicine, politics, and personal life. Take a moment to appreciate the courage of this Bamberger doctor and activist. His fight for democracy continues to inspire.