Pirmasens audio guides (Norman Salzmann, Stadtverwaltung Pirmasens)
The city of Pirmasens is inviting the local American community to a special event on May 8, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. They will be unveiling a new tourist information audio guide focused on the American presence in the city. Sign up information is below.
Husterhöh Kaserne occupied a ridgetop in the northern part of Pirmasens city. It was used as a U.S. military base from 1945-1997, and many of the streets in the area still bear the names of American states. As headquarters of the 59th Ordnance Brigade, it was one of many small bases that were part of the Pirmasens Military Community. This included installations in Fischbach, Dahn, Massweiler and Münchweiler.
After most of Husterhöh Kaserne was returned to the German government in 1997, the U.S. kept a small portion for storage. The U.S. Army Medical Material Center Europe used the storage facilities as a medical supply depot until 2021. It is now being upgraded by the U.S. Air Force to be used as a storage facility for equipment to support quick response help for NATO troops.
Final flag ceremony at Husterhöh Kaserne (Norman Salzmann, Stadtverwaltung Pirmasens)
The primary buildings that remain from Husterhöh Kaserne are now German businesses and housing. Though remodeled, many still retain the historic look of a military barracks, including the iconic ‘banana building.’ The city’s new information guide will be installed in front of this large, curved yellow building and is the latest addition to the city’s walking tour.
There are now 18 stops on the Pirmasens acoustic walking tour, and each stop includes a small stele with a QR code to the audio guide. The tour was created in 2021as a project by the Pirmasens Youth Forum and Pirmasens Historical Association. The addition of Husterhöh Kaserne was suggested by Marina Hilbert, member of two Facebook communities dedicated to bringing together people previously stationed in Pirmasens.
The guide is presented in both English and German. Retired U.S. soldier Kenny Coleman and local tour guide Gisela Looper did the recording. Both will be at the unveiling event in May.
Husterhöh Kaserne audio guide unveiling ceremony details:
May 8, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
Pirmasens, Banana-Building bus stop
Pestalozzistrasse, Pirmasens, Germany
Register for the ceremony with Herr Norman Salzmann (normansalzmann@pirmasens.de) or Frau Marina (Hilbert marinahilbert@gmx.de) Telefon: 06331 / 84-2832
