“Who was Heinrich Schreiber?” you might ask, gazing at this bust. This is a monument to a man who significantly shaped Freiburg’s understanding of its own history. Here before you stands the Heinrich Schreiber Bust. It commemorates Johann Heinrich Nepomuk Schreiber. He was born in Freiburg im Breisgau on July 14, 1793.
Schreiber became the city’s first significant local historian. The Heinrich Schreiber Bust is a creation by Gustav Adolf Knittel. Knittel was a sculptor from Freiburg. The bust was initially made of marble. It was later replaced with a galvanobronze version. Even the postament has been exchanged.
Schreiber’s early life was marked by academic success. He studied at the Freiburger Gymnasium. He excelled in Latin and French. He then studied philosophy and history at the Albertina. His family’s financial struggles led him to theology. Yet, he maintained his passion for philosophy, history, and literature.
In 1815, he became a priest. He taught at the Freiburger Gymnasium academicum. By 1819, he was a custodian at the University Library. He delved into the city archives. These archives were housed in the Münster’s northern Hahnenturm. In 1820, he published a history and description of the Münster. This was timed for the parish church’s 700-year celebration.
Schreiber became a professor of moral theology in 1826. Despite lacking formal training, he embraced the role. He wrote about religious doctrine. The university awarded him a Doctor of Theology degree. His 1831 work challenged the practice of celibacy. This criticism led to conflict with Freiburg’s Bishop Bernhard Boll.
Later, Schreiber joined the German Catholic Church around 1845. This decision resulted in his excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church. It also led to his dismissal from the University of Freiburg. After that he dedicated himself to historical research.
Schreiber’s research covered a range of topics. He explored local history. He studied Roman sites. His most significant work is the comprehensive history of Freiburg. It was published in 1857, alongside a history of the university. Schreiber also collected folk legends. He contributed to the Badisches Sagenbuch.
Heinrich Schreiber died in 1872. He was respected by historians across Europe. His final resting place is in Freiburg’s Hauptfriedhof. The Heinrich Schreiber Bust reminds us of his contributions. It stands as a tribute to a man who helped Freiburg understand its past. The bust immortalizes a historian. He shaped the city’s historical consciousness. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Heinrich Schreiber.