Research on Martinsbühel
In the aftermath of World War II, Tyrol, like much of Austria, was occupied by Allied powers and divided into zones. This period of occupation and subsequent rebuilding likely had a significant impact on local institutions, including religious homes, in terms of administration and reconstruction responsibilities.
During this time, religious homes in Tyrol may have played a vital role in caring for the displaced, war orphans, and those affected by poverty. They provided shelter, education, and spiritual guidance within local communities. While detailed investigations or studies specifically on these homes were not found, it is plausible that they contributed to social stability, community cohesion, and religious-cultural continuity in the region.
A current project at the University of Innsbruck, titled "Learning Humility. Childhood in Post-1945 Religious Children's Homes in Tyrol," aims to fill this gap in historical understanding. This research project, funded in part by the Diocese of Innsbruck and the Province of Tyrol, is conducted by the Institute for Contemporary History at the University of Innsbruck in partnership with the Verein Wissenschaftsbüro Innsbruck.
The project delves into the structures of post-war religious home care in Tyrol, reconstructing the daily life and structures of these homes. It focuses on living conditions for children and youth residing at Martinsbühel/Zirl Girls' Home, Scharnitz Educational Home, Later Boarding School with School, St. Josef/Fügen Boys' Home, St. Josef/Mils House, and Volders Josefinum.
The project also investigates the lack of control mechanisms in these homes, examining the living and working conditions of nuns and secular staff, the staff training situation, and the roles and responsibilities of various public and non-public/religious entities in these homes. It further looks into societal perceptions of these homes and their residents.
For more detailed investigation on this topic, it would be necessary to consult specialized historical, sociological, or religious studies focusing on Tyrol's post-war period and the role of religious homes. The project, "Learning Humility. Childhood in Post-1945 Religious Children's Homes in Tyrol," is a significant step towards understanding this important aspect of Tyrolean history.
For more information about the project, please contact the Institute for Contemporary History at the University of Innsbruck:
Street, A-Zip Code and Location, Tel.: +43 512 507-4407, email: dirk.rupnow@onze website.
The project's image, credited to Friedrich Stepanek, is titled "Study on Martinsbühel." An image associated with the project, also by Friedrich Stepanek, is titled "Study on Martinsbühel."
During this time, religious homes in Tyrol may have provided not only shelter and education but also served as crucial hubs for mental health support, given their role in caring for displaced and war-affected individuals. As a result of the ongoing research project at the University of Innsbruck, a more in-depth understanding of the science behind the social, psychological, and health-and-wellness impact of these homes on their residents during the post-World War II period is beginning to emerge.
