Hans Knapp (local history researcher)

Hans Knapp (born September 5, 1910 in Viernheim ; † October 17, 2006 ibid) was a local researcher.

After graduating from high school in Bensheim in 1930, he completed teacher training at the Pedagogical Institute in Mainz until 1932 , followed by activities as a substitute teacher and, from 1936, a permanent position in Worms . After serving as a soldier in Russia and Romania (1940-45), he returned to his family, who had fled to Viernheim , and returned to school in 1947, first at the Schiller School, then at the Friedrich Froebel School until his retirement in 1971.

Through secondary activities as a local reporter (1950-70) for the Mannheimer Morgen and the Viernheimer Volkszeitung, Knapp increasingly devoted himself to the local history of Viernheim, then from 1970 in irregular, later weekly articles for the Viernheimer Tageblatt.

During this time, several books on homeland were self-published:

• Wie gered't sou gebabblt - Viernheim Dictionary (1972, new edition 1985)
• Break free from the land of tyrants - Viernheim Emigrant Book (1975)
• From Kurpfalzdorf to Hessenstadt - Viernheim events over the past 400 years (1987)
• Viernheimer Tales - A local historical flower harvest with marginal notes on world events (1990)
• Illustrated Reader - Episodes and Portraits (1999)

He made historical contributions to many commemorative publications and anniversary brochures from associations, municipal institutions and other organizations; For example, he was the editor of the official anniversary book Twelve Hundred Years of Viernheim (1977).

For his commitment to local research, Hans Knapp received the Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class in 1974 , later the Gold Medal and the Ring of Honor from the City of Viernheim.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Knapp, Hans (1987), Von Kurpfalzdorf zur Hessenstadt, self-published, p. 364 ("The Author").
2. ↑ ^{a b} City of Viernheim (2006), obituary as press release