The 55th Steinfeld Cultural Days provided the perfect occasion to introduce the Topotheque to the interested residents of the market town. Mayor Ewald Tschabitscher opened the evening, which also served as the debut for the newly founded association „Gedächtnis Steinfeld“ (Steinfeld Memory). Matthias Pirker described the significance of the Topotheque as an „important step toward preserving historical photographs, personal memories, and valuable knowledge for future generations.“ A photo exhibition featuring evocative scenes from Steinfeld highlighted — particularly during the ensuing discussions — just how deeply history is intertwined with individual human lives.
While many of the photographs convey a sense of peaceful, rural life, they also reveal that technology was present in the municipality of Steinfeld from an early stage. One image shows a man named Sepp with an early motorcycle, featuring both a chain and a toothed belt for propulsion — does anyone still know the specific function of each? There is also photographic evidence of an automobile navigating through deep snow without skidding. As an example of aviation history, the collection includes images of the installation of the summit cross on the Stagor; helicopter enthusiasts, in particular, will enjoy this series of photos from 1977.