Schwalmtal Municipality Launches New Participatory Exhibition to Preserve and Share Local History
The town of Schwalmtal has found a unique way to preserve and share its local history with its residents. On Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, the municipality announced the launch of the APHEUM Frames, a new participatory format that connects historical photographs with personal memories from the people who lived them. The exhibition, titled “Remember? Schwalmtal in the 60s and 70s,” is the first project realized under the guiding theme of “community heritage” in collaboration with Newstyle.
At first glance, the APHEUM Frames may appear to be classic framed fine-art prints. However, they are managed entirely digitally, eliminating the need for printing, framing, or physically exchanging prints. This allows for new themes and images to be uploaded centrally to the APHEUM system, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving exhibition.
Andreas Gisbertz, the mayor of Schwalmtal, expressed his excitement about the exhibition, stating that the response from the community has been fantastic. He explained that people are visiting the town hall, recognizing places and faces from the past, and engaging in conversations with one another. Gisbertz believes that this project will bring the administration and the public closer together, just as they had hoped.
The exhibition features numerous historical photographs submitted by residents, showcasing former rail connections, schools, churches, local businesses, meeting places, and social events. However, it is not just the subject of the photograph that is important, but also the memories associated with it. The APHEUM Frames rotate the images regularly, and each frame has a QR code that links to background information and personal stories from the people who submitted the photograph, making it a truly interactive experience.
Christopher Colshorn, the inventor of the APHEUM Frame, shared that the goal was not just to display the images, but to give them context. He believes that it is the personal stories that turn a photograph into a piece of living local history.
The exhibition is not a one-time event but rather a permanent feature at the town hall. The frames are powered by AAA batteries and can be positioned independently of power outlets, making them easily transferable to other locations. This model can also be adapted to various municipal and institutional purposes, such as showcasing individual districts, migration, community associations, and influential local figures.
The project combines citizen participation, curatorial work, and technical publishing in a clear process. The municipality sets a theme, collects photographs and memories, curates the submissions, and publishes them via the APHEUM system. This allows for flexible updates without the need for new prints or labels, and the exhibition can continue to grow with contributions from the community.
For more information on the APHEUM Frame, please visit their website at https://shop.apheum.com. You can also find the Schwalmtal case study and frequently asked questions on their website.
For media inquiries, please contact TDUB Kommunikationsberatung at apheum@tdub.de. For municipalities, associations, and institutions interested in implementing a similar project, please contact newstyle UG at info@my-newstyle.com.
About APHEUM
APHEUM is a company that develops connected e-paper photo frames and a corresponding platform for the high-quality presentation of photographic content. Their solution combines the traditional look of a framed print with the ability to manage and regularly refresh content centrally. Their frames can be used in various settings, including municipalities, cultural and educational institutions, businesses, hotels, and public spaces. For more information, please visit their website at https://shop.apheum.com.
