Page 38 - Jahresrückblick_2021_web_engl

38 Year in review

40

The

association‘s

goal is

to ensure,

that the world of technology
is preserved and accessible
for future generations.

But back to the beginning
At the beginning of the 1980s no one had
imagined such success. The media were reporting
on armaments and (peace) demonstrations,
actor Ronald Reagan became the 40th President of
the United States, Diana Spencer and Prince Charles
were getting married, and the Federal Republic of
Germany was in the midst of an economic crisis. And
in the middle of it all, in the Kraichgau region, a small
technology museum opened its doors for the first
time. A few months earlier, a few classic car
enthusiasts, collectors and hobby restorers decided
to share their love for automotives with the world.
After all, there were some impressive two- and
four-wheelers hidden in the garages at home.
But the future building had to be financed and
maintained. Without further ado, on November
28, 1980, 15 technology fans founded the
„Auto-Technik-Museum e.V.“ association
with Eberhard Layher as the main initiator.
A few months later, on May 6, 1981, Technik Museum
Sinsheim opened its doors to a 5,000 square meter
world of technology. And you know the rest ...

Technology for fans from fans
Over time, relationships developed with other
museums, associations, collectors and clubs.
Technology fans met in Sinsheim, trips and club
meetings were organized; well-known personalities
came and went, and the range of exhibits now
extends from underwater to outer space.

Which other museum can claim to own submarines,
countless vintage cars, motorcycles, locomotives,
large orchestras, airplanes and a space glider? But if
you take a closer look, almost 90% of the exhibits
belong to you, the club members. The club now
has over 3,500 members worldwide, nearly 170 of
them have become lifetime members. We are a huge
family of engineers. Each and every one of you
contributes to our network and deliver ideas to
further development at the museums. We are a
non-profit association, which does not serve the
purpose of profit. The association‘s goal is to ensure