The Mönchgut, the south-eastern peninsula of Rügen Island, does not only have extremely attractive, breath-takingly beautiful countryside. It also offers an equally impressive and rich cultural landscape. The eight Mönchgut museums – Museum of Local History and Culture, Museum Farm, Smokehouse and the Museum Ship “Luise” in the Baltic resort of Göhren, the School Museum at Middelhagen, the Clergy Widows’ House in Gross Zicker, the Coastal Fishing Museum at Baabe and the Pilots’ Tower and Guardhouse in Thiessow – have set themselves the task of enabling both guests and local residents to perceive and experience the Mönchgut as it has developed over the years. All of the museums occupy original buildings classified as historical monuments and, in one case, a museum ship. They have been designed to provide expressive insights into the lives and working world of the Mönchgut population in the course of its history.Whereas the Clergy Widows’ House is run by the local church, the School

Museum by the local authorities of Middelhagen and the Coastal Fishing Museum by the local authorities of Baabe, since May 2002 the museums in Göhren have been managed by the registered “Association to promote the protection, care and further development of the Mönchgut museums” (Förderverein zum Schutz, zur Pflege und weiteren Entwicklung der Mönchguter Museen e.V.) that was founded in 1991. This association, which has been recognised as serving the public interest, is committed – as its name indicates – to developing the Mönchgut museums as cultural institutions which will also continue in the future to benefit both local residents and visitors from elsewhere. Incidentally, not only genuine residents of the Mönchgut can assist the association in its important work, either by joining or through donations. Support from visitors is also very welcome!