Event on Nazi Forced Labor in Bitterfeld-Wolfen
On May 22, 2026, the Bürgerstiftung Bitterfeld-Wolfen addressed the issue of local forced labor during the Nazi era in the lecture hall of the town hall (Wolfen) as part of the event „Zwischen Werkstor und Lagerzaun“ (“Between the Factory Gate and the Camp Fence”).
Wolfen Town Hall (former Agfa research and administrative building) (c) Finkelstein Foundation
The auditorium of the town hall building - which was originally used as a research and administrative facility by Agfa and whose history is therefore inextricably linked to I.G. Farbenindustrie AG - served as the venue on May 22 for a discussion of Nazi history and our democracy today.
In the morning, about 100 students visited the “Mile of Democracy.” Under the motto “Remembering the Past, Understanding Democracy,” various informative and interactive booths invited visitors to explore topics related to historical reappraisal, remembrance culture, and the strengthening and resilience of democracy.
They then attended an educational session on the historic town of Bitterfeld-Wolfen and its Nazi past. Uwe Holz, former director of the Wolfen Industrial Museum, explained why engaging with history is important for all generations: “History is always being written, whether you do something or do nothing. You are always a part of it and should be aware that you can help shape it.”
In the evening, the general public was invited to attend a similarly themed event. Approximately 90 people came to hear Günter Matter’s lecture on I.G. Farben and forced labor in Bitterfeld-Wolfen. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring: Mayor Armin Schenk (CDU), Dr. Alexander Klose (Research Group Leader at the Just Transition Center in Halle/Saale), Dr. Günter Matter (former employee of the Wolfen Film Factory), and Annemarie Hühne-Ramm (Director of the Finkelstein Foundation). They explored what lessons we can draw from local Nazi history today and in the future, and why our commitment to democracy is essential. In the evening, attendees also had the opportunity to explore the “Mile of Democracy.”
Historical Background of Nazi Forced Labor in Bitterfeld-Wolfen:
In the Bitterfeld-Wolfen area, I.G. Farben operated several large plants, including the Bitterfeld facilities of the former Griesheim-Elektron and the former Agfa plants, which comprised the paint factory in Greppin and the film factory in Wolfen. Since the beginning of the war, forced laborers had been deployed on a large scale. In November 1944, in the film factory alone, 4,629 women, men, and children were forced to work. Barracks were erected on the company grounds and in the surrounding area to house them.
In May 1943, the factory management of I.G. Farben, in collaboration with the SS, established a camp for concentration camp prisoners on the grounds of the film factory. Initially, it was under the jurisdiction of the Ravensbrück women’s concentration camp. Beginning in September 1944, it was designated “Subcamp VI” and placed under the jurisdiction of the Buchenwald concentration camp. At that time, 425 women aged 16 to 58 were imprisoned there, most of them from Eastern European countries. Most of the women worked in pulp production - usually 12 hours a day, under degrading conditions, unprotected from toxic materials. At least two prisoners died in the camp; many others were deported to the Ravensbrück concentration camp. In February 1945, the SS deported 200 women to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Two months later, the remaining women were forced by the SS onto death marches.
The Finkelstein Foundation provided funding for the event.
