The craftsmen's museum is located in the listed Sittenser Wassermühle and in the former barn opposite, which is now used as a museum smithy. The historic half-timbered building with its elongated brick extension is located directly on the Oste, close to the Mühlenteich pond.
The Mühle was first mentioned in documents in the 16th century. Originally belonging to Verden Abbey, it came into the possession of the Horneburg burgomaster Diedrich Schulte at this time. In 1701 it was passed on to the Bellmann family of millers. Another change of ownership followed in 1839 when the miller Friedrich Gohde married into the family. The Gohde family ran the mill until the 1980s.
After the commercial operation of the mill was discontinued, the municipality of Sittensen acquired the building in 1984. In 1989, it had the water mill extensively renovated. Further interior work followed in 1996 and, together with the Sittensen local history association, the craftsmen's museum was set up. The exhibition was officially opened on June 6, 1998.
Since then, the aim of the museum's work has been to preserve and communicate the history of the Börde Sittensen in general and the history of crafts in the region in particular.
The Sittenser Wassermühle is also a place for cultural education in rural areas. In this sense, it is run by the municipality of Sittensen with voluntary support, including from the Sittensen local history association.
Permanent exhibition
The permanent exhibition in the historic watermill and the old forge is dedicated to the history of crafts in rural areas.
Faithfully staged workshops and a large number of exhibits show the diversity of craftsmanship in the town of Sittensen and its development. Whether at the pharmacist's, hairdresser's or shoemaker's workshop, the exhibition provides interesting facts about almost forgotten craft techniques and traditions. And participation is allowed! Our visitors can get active themselves and try their hand at writing with pen and ink or planing in the carpenter's workshop, among other things.
The technology of the 400-year-old water mill can also be viewed.
The professions of wheelwright and blacksmith are presented in our museum smithy. A visit during the demonstrations by our volunteer blacksmiths is particularly exciting.
Special exhibitions
Special exhibitions are held regularly at the watermill. Artists from the region exhibit their works. Exhibitions are also organized on the history of Sitten and the crafts of yesterday and today.
