Funded by Berlin philanthropists James Simon and Franz von Mendelssohn stands the Haus Kinderschutz Plaque. This unassuming plaque tells a powerful story. It commemorates a home for children. A place where approximately 100 children found refuge. They received shelter and education at the Haus Kinderschutz.
The Haus Kinderschutz wasn’t always a haven. It began as a children’s home around 1900. By 1920 its purpose shifted. It became an observation and distribution center for the Berlin State Youth Office. Minna Todenhagen a co-founder of the Workers’ Welfare Association became its director in 1930.
Minna Todenhagen’s life was intertwined with the Haus Kinderschutz. A prominent social democrat she faced persecution under the Nazis. She was dismissed from her position in late 1933. Placed under police surveillance until 1934 she was even briefly imprisoned after the failed July 20 1944 assassination attempt on Hitler. Despite adversity she returned to lead the Haus Kinderschutz from 1945 to 1949.
After the war the Haus Kinderschutz served a different purpose. It became a school for so-called difficult-to-educate children. This shows the evolving needs of the community. The Haus Kinderschutz ultimately closed in 1960. Today it serves as a day care center for a nearby elementary school.
The Haus Kinderschutz Plaque unveiled on April 19 2007 is more than just a memorial. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of children and those who dedicate their lives to protecting them. It’s a poignant symbol of the Haus Kinderschutz’s complex past. A testament to the enduring need for child protection. A reminder of the struggles and triumphs in the fight to protect children in Berlin. The plaque honors Minna Todenhagen’s unwavering commitment. Her dedication to child welfare made the Haus Kinderschutz a beacon of hope for many children. Remember the children the workers and the lasting impact of the Haus Kinderschutz.