The City History Museum is somewhat hidden just behind a coffee shop and right beside the Cenotaph of Drusus known as Drususstein. Located in block D of the citadel, it opened its doors in 2003 and is well worth a visit. It provides an excellent introduction to the history of Mainz, focusing on social and economic aspects. Its exhibits include many every-day items from the 19th and 20th centuries, which some visitors might still remember from their childhood. In addition to a room set aside for annual special exhibitions, the museum also has a separate section dedicated to the history of Jews in Mainz. It further organises events such as lectures, book launches, and concerts, as well as serious and less formal readings. Recent special exhibitions that attracted many visitors covered topics such as Biedermeier-style furniture from Mainz (2009), interior and exterior views of the city (2010), shellac in Mainz (2011), the history of local brewing (2012), Mainz pretzels (2013), orchestral culture in the city (2014), Mainz after the Second World War 1945-1962 (2015), and the intertwined history of Mainz and wine (2016). On 22 October 2017, the latest special exhibition opened its doors, exploring the effects of the First World War on Mainz and the Home Front.
As the city did not consider itself in a position to sponsor a municipal museum, people interested in preserving the history of Mainz joined forces in 1996 and founded a private association with the aim of setting up a collection open to the public. In 2000, the first museum, located in the small "Haus zum Stein", opened its doors. From the very beginning, it was the tireless work and dedication of citizens of Mainz such as the pharmacist Hermann Stefan Keller and Dr. Hedwig Brüchert that made this project possible. The association maintains close ties with the Institute of Historical Regional Studies at the University of Mainz. Today, the museum is the recipient of funding from the city, which also made sections of block D in the citadel available as exhibition rooms. In the long run however, the museum needs larger premises, as it is already bursting at the seams. The promoters believe that the collection deserves a more suitable and much larger exhibition space, preferably at a central location.
The association in charge of the museum intends to hand over its collection to a foundation named Stiftung Stadthistorisches Museum Mainz, set up in 2013, with the aim of raising funds. While the association is working hard to recruit new members, the foundation is looking for funds. At the moment, the museum is only open at weekends, as it relies solely on volunteers and urgently needs more people who are willing to give some of their free time to keep up the regular opening times. Everyone who cares about the history of Mainz, wants to do their bit, and enjoys meeting like-minded people is invited to support this worthy project for the benefit of the entire community, for instance by becoming a member of the association or by sponsoring the foundation!
