A Weekend of Heritage, Dialogue, and Princeton Spirit in the Heart of Thuringia
- Wolfgang Konrad
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
In June 2025, the Princeton Alumni Association of Germany brought together alumni and friends for a gathering that felt at once like a reunion, a cultural expedition, and a thoughtful exchange of ideas. The chosen backdrop — the historic cities of Weimar and Erfurt — could not have been more fitting.
In Weimar, we were welcomed with remarkable warmth by the city’s mayor, Ralf Kirsten, who guided us through its cobblestone streets and timeless architecture. One of the most memorable moments was our private visit to the Anna Amalia Library. Standing in the Rococo Hall, bathed in afternoon light, we found ourselves hushed, almost reverent, as history seemed to breathe all around us.
Erfurt, with its layered history stretching back to a mention in Archbishop Bonifatius’s 742 letter, offered the weekend’s central stage. The guided tour of the Dome St. Marien and its crypt revealed the craftsmanship and faith that shaped the city for centuries. Yet, it was in the evening that Erfurt’s oldest quarters became a forum for contemporary reflection.
The keynote address by Professor Harold James, “Where does Europe go from here?”, struck a chord with the diverse audience. Drawing connections between Europe’s deep historical roots and its present uncertainties, James challenged listeners to see the continent not as a fixed entity, but as an ongoing project — one that demands vision, resilience, and the courage to adapt. The discussion that followed was spirited, bridging perspectives from economics to culture, and reminding everyone of Princeton’s commitment to engaged, critical thinking.
Meals, from the convivial gathering at Zum Goldenen Schwan (est. 1186) to the farewell lunch at Gasthaus Feuerkugel (est. 1587), wove the weekend together in a fabric of shared stories and laughter. Alumni connected over traditional Thuringian cuisine, exchanging experiences that ranged from professional milestones to personal anecdotes of life across continents.
Sunday’s city tour of Erfurt rounded off the event, guiding participants through narrow medieval lanes, past the Krämerbrücke, and into the pulse of a city that blends heritage with modern vibrancy. As the group dispersed, there was a sense of having not only revisited Princeton ties, but having deepened them in the context of place, history, and dialogue.
Looking back, the 2025 Summer Get-Together was far more than an itinerary. It was a living example of how our Princeton community thrives: by coming together, exploring with curiosity, and engaging in conversations that reach beyond the moment. In the historic heart of Thuringia, we added a new and vibrant chapter to our shared Princeton story.
