Bourgmeisterin
Bourgmeisterin is a podcast where Luxembourg's past meets its present, hosted by Julia Khalyavko, an expat and history buff. It explores the country's history, culture, and public life through three formats: History Bites, which turns long reads into short accessible episodes; Legacy Links, which connects today's trailblazers with Luxembourgish figures from the past; and Fireside Chats, supported by the Ministry of Family Affairs, which opens up conversations with guests from culture, history, and business.
Épisodes
Bourgmeisterin Episode #71: Paul Lauterbur, an American Luxembourger who invented MRI
🇱🇺 𝗔 𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁🩻Paul Lauterbur’s family came from 𝗗𝗮𝗹𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗺🇱🇺, but his own journey took him from a childhood 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗵𝗶𝗼🧪🇺🇸 to experiments that helped transform magnetic resonance into ✨𝗠𝗥𝗜✨Along the way, he worked secretly at night, scanned clams and peppers, had his groundbreaking paper initially re
Bourgmeisterin Episode #70: Princess Hilda of Luxembourg
👑 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀.The last of six sisters to marry, she went through one match she didn’t want and another that politics got in the way of before finally marrying Prince Adolph of Schwarzenberg at 33.But conventional royal life was never really the point.Hilda was drawn to nature, farming and wildlife. With Adolph, she trav
Bourgmeisterin Episode #69: Sosthène Weis, the artist who made 5000 paintings of Luxembourg
🎨 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆?For 𝗦𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝘀, the answer was simple: paint it.Again.And again.And again.As 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗴'𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁, Weis helped shape the country through buildings like the 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘀 and projects for 𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗘𝗗. But when the working day ended, he picked up his watercolours and set out to capture the Luxembourg around him – its bridges, valleys, vi
Bourgmeisterin: Fireside Chats #3 – LUXEMBOURG'S SUMMER IN THREE ACTS: Pilgrimage, Harvest, and Wine
For centuries, Luxembourg's summers have been marked not by the pages of a calendar, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿🫂Some 𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗰𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗵 in honour of Saint Willibrord. Others gather to bless 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲. A few weeks later, the first glasses of 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻 appear on tables across the country, quietly announcing that another season is drawing to a c
Bourgmeisterin Episode #68: Lily Becker-Krier, the first women's rights activist in Luxembourg
𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴❌𝗟𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 fought for women to gain political rights in Luxembourg. Yet many years later, she admitted she was disappointed by how slowly those rights translated into women actually stepping into public life.It raises a question that 𝚜̲𝚝̲𝚒̲𝚕̲𝚕̲ ̲𝚏̲𝚎̲𝚎̲𝚕̲𝚜̲ ̲𝚛̲𝚎̲𝚕̲𝚎̲𝚟̲𝚊̲𝚗̲𝚝̲ ̲𝚝̲𝚘̲𝚍̲𝚊̲𝚢̲:̲𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗻?Is it when a
Bourgmeisterin Episode #67: the first woman in Luxembourg's Parliament, Marguerite Thomas-Clement
Some people change history 𝗯𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿👊Others change it by 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁🗣️Long before equality became part of everyday conversation, the first woman, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀-𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, was standing in 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗴'𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 challenging injustice, defending working women, exposing hypocrisy, and giving a voice to those society preferred to overlook.🔹She didn't win every battle.🔹Most
Bourgmeisterin Episode #66: Arno Joseph Mayer, Part 2
𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴🏁The tyrant falls. The war ends. The old world disappears. Justice wins💪But 𝗔𝗿𝗻𝗼 𝗝. 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 didn’t believe history was ever that simple❌ Born in Luxembourg and forced into exile by the Nazis, Mayer spent his career 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 🔹Who really loses power? 🔹Who quietly keeps it? 🔹And what happens when the stories we tell about the past become too neat?Maybe
Legacy Links by Bourgmeisterin #2: Power struggle – the definition of strength in the 20th vs. 21st centuries
Another Legacy Links treat is landing with a bang!💥Each episode links a historical figure from Luxembourg’s past to someone working in the same field today: this time, we're looking at John Grün, the strongest Luxembourger of all time from 1900s💪, and Elodie Covella, a yoga instructor from Luxembourg🧘♀️John Grün, Luxembourg’s most famous strongman, became a symbol of physical strength and resilie
Legacy Links by Bourgmeisterin #1: Sustainable bees'ness – bees & goats: from Luxembourg to the U.S. in (1890s) and back in (2020s)
Legacy Links is the interview series where each episode links a historical figure from Luxembourg’s past to someone working in the same field today, and the connection between these two women is pretty phenomenal.Lilian Steichen, the sister of the world famous photographer Edward Steichen who emigrated with their parents from Luxembourg at the end of 1800s, was a pioneer in sustainable agriculture
Bourgmeisterin Episode #1: Golden Lady (Gëlle Fra)
Hold on tight, folks, because we're about to embark on a joyride through the quirky and fascinating world of Gëlle Fra (Luxembourgish for "Golden Lady"), lovingly nicknamed Monument of Remembrance, in the heart of Luxembourg City😁 Let's dive in and embrace the absurdity, shall we?Gëlle Fra was the brainchild of a Luxembourgish sculptor named Claus Cito. Originally, it was meant t
Bourgmeisterin Episode #2: Luxembourg City Hall & Place Guillaume II
Welcome to the most happening spot in Luxembourg City—Luxembourg City Hall, the place where all the local government magic happens. It's like the ultimate VIP club for politicians, complete with the Mayor's swanky private office. This city hall is so fancy that it attracts foreign dignitaries like moths to a flame. I mean, who wouldn't want to hang out here?Visit www.bourgmeisterin.com
Bourgmeisterin Episode #3: William II, the grantor of the first Constitution of Luxembourg
So, about the guy whose statue you can find on Place Guillaume II – it's him👆 Guillaume-William-Willem: pot[ei]to/pot[a]to. This is a heavy throwback to the times when The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Limburg were ruled by the same monarchs and constituted the United Kingdom of... the Netherlands! Didn't see that coming, did ya? Yeah, I didn't know either, but apparently it did exist be
Bourgmeisterin Episode #4: Grand Ducal Palace
Ah, the Grand Ducal Palace! This place is all about the grand duke and his important duties as the head hotshot of the Grand Duchy💁♀️ Let's dive into the amusing history of this palace.Back in the day, this building was all over the place. It started off as the city hall of Luxembourg, way back in 1572. Imagine that! The grand duke's palace used to be a humble town hall🏢 From 1795, it bec
Bourgmeisterin Episode #5: Grand Duke Adolphe
Since we just talked about the Grand Ducal Palace, let me regale you with the tangled web of the Nassau family and their quest for thrones! So there was this big Nassau dynasty🤴👸🤴👸🤴👸, right, and it had two branches. The first one, Ottonian, gave rise to the Orange family, which comprised the monarchs of the Netherlands🇳🇱 (all the Williams we've mentioned so far in the previous stories); the se
Bourgmesiterin Episode #6: Luxembourg's Notre Dame Cathedral
Now onto Notre-Dame Cathedral, the one and only grand Roman Catholic Cathedral in the heart of Luxembourg City! This majestic masterpiece started off as a humble Jesuit church way back in 1613. Yes, we're talking ancient times here! It's like the geriatric of cathedrals, folks.Now, don't let its age fool you. This cathedral has got style! It's a wild mix of late gothic architecture
Bourgmesiterin Episode #7: Schueberfouer
Step right up, ladies and gents, and behold the extravaganza known as the Schueberfouer, Luxembourg's answer to a funfair that's more anticipated than a kid spotting the dessert table at a family reunion!😁 Brace yourselves, because from late August to early September, the Glacis, a grand open space near the heart of the city, transforms into a carnival paradise that makes merry-go-rounds🎠
Bourgmesiterin Episode #8: Grand Duchess Charlotte
Ladies and gentlemen, we're continuing our series about Grand Dukes and Duchesses of Luxembourg. Prepare yourselves for a rollercoaster of regal antics as we dive into the dazzling life and times of none other than the fabulously named Grand Duchess Charlotte Adelgonde Élisabeth Marie Wilhelmine of Luxembourg, Duchess of Nassau👑! Picture this: a grand entrance into the world as the second daug
Bourgmesiterin Episode #9: Rotondes
Ah, Rotondes, the tale of two circular wonders that time couldn't resist tampering with! I must say there is NOT a lot of information on these two beasts that are now one of the hippest (not hippiest) spots in town, but here's something I've managed to find.Picture this: back in 1875, when steam locomotives🚂 were all the rage, someone decided, "You know what we need? Two giant cir
Bourgmeisterin Episode #10: Villa Vauban
Once upon a time, in the magnificent land of Luxembourg City, there stood a museum known as the Villa Vauban✨ It was a classy art museum that showcased fancy paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. You know, the kind of paintings that make you raise your pinky finger at the high tea💁♀️The villa itself was quite a character. Built back in 1873 as a posh private residence, it got its name from
Bourgmeisterin Episode #11: Édouard André
Édouard François André, a man with a green thumb🌱 and an eye for beauty😍, was the superstar of landscape design back in the late 19th century who stands behind the designs of Villa Vauban's garden and Municipal Park here in Lux🌲🌴🌳 He was like the Michelangelo of gardens, except instead of chiseling marble, he sculpted nature itself. Talk about having a green aesthetic!💁🏻♂️Born into a family o
Bourgmeisterin Episode #12: Casino Luxembourg
A group of folks once walked into a bar and said, "You know what this place needs? A casino!". But hold your horses, this wasn't your run-of-the-mill gambling joint. No, it was the birth of the "Casino de Luxembourg" in 1880, and their grand vision was to create a haven of relaxation and promote good ol' sociability among their members. No mention of poker faces and slo
Bourgmeisterin Episode #13: National Museum of Natural History
Once upon a time, in the magical land of Luxembourg, there stood the National Museum of Natural History. It was a grand establishment located in the charming city of Luxembourg City, down by the Alzette river, giving it that picturesque touch. You know, the perfect spot for some high-class intellectual shenanigans.Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #14: Petrusse Casemates
The Pétrusse Casemates were closed to the general public for a while before they reopened at the end of spring '23.Oh the tales they tell! These ancient fortifications have a history that takes us back to the time when the Spanish decided to modernise the medieval fortifications. Because who needs old and boring walls when you can have fancy bastions, right?Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.
Bourgmeisterin Episode #15: Luxembourg City History Museum
All aboard! Luxembourg Station, the crown jewel of the railway world in the pint-sized land of Luxembourg! This little hub of locomotion glory sits a mere stone's throw (well, two kilometers, but who's counting?) from the center of Luxembourg City. It's so important, they decided to name one of the city's districts after it! Not just any district, mind you – it's operated by th
Bourgmeisterin Episode #16: Luxembourg's Grand Theatre
Turn the sophites on!🔦🔦🔦 The Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg, the pinnacle of dramatic arts in the city. Inaugurated in 1964 as the Théâtre Municipal de la Ville de Luxembourg, it's the place to be for all things drama😫, opera🎶, and ballet🩰 But hey, even a grand establishment like this needs a makeover now and then.Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #17: National Museum of History and Art (NMHA)
Well well well... divorcée party here, are we🤨 Remember the National Museum of Natural History down in the Grund? They used to be together💁🏻♀️ That was literally the same museum: I knew I read the word "Fëschmaart" somehwere before... Like in the best traditions of the genre: this one kept the property at the Fish Market, and the other one had to move out🤷🏻♀️ Too realistic.But keep on
Bourgmeisterin Episode #66: Arno Joseph Mayer, Part 1
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 – 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗶𝘁🧼Born in Luxembourg City🇱🇺 in 1926, 𝗔𝗿𝗻𝗼 𝗝. 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 fled Nazi occupation as a teenager and later became 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 historians📚 of the 20th century.His work questioned❓ power, challenged accepted narratives, and pushed people to look twice at the stories history tells – and the ones it leaves out.From Luxembourg to 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗻, May
Bourgmeisterin Episode #18: Luxembourg Railway Station (Gare)
All aboard! Luxembourg Station, the crown jewel of the railway world in the pint-sized land of Luxembourg! This little hub of locomotion glory sits a mere stone's throw (well, two kilometers, but who's counting?) from the center of Luxembourg City. It's so important, they decided to name one of the city's districts after it! Not just any district, mind you – it's operated by th
Bourgmeisterin Episode #19: History Of Luxembourg Railways
Since we talked about Luxembourg train station in the previous story, I suggest we continue with the system of Luxembourg's railways, cause the former's existence would've been kinda obsolete without the latter🤷🏻♀️Picture this: in the middle of the 19th century (when folks were still debating the merits of top hats🎩 and monocles🧐), Luxembourg decided it was high time to hop on the rai
Bourgmeisterin Episode #20: How France Once Tried to Buy Luxembourg
So there's something that came up during the industrialistion wave of Luxembourg, which I covered in the previous story: once upon a time in the whimsical world of 1867, when international diplomacy was as unpredictable as a squirrel on caffeine, France decided it wanted to get its hands on Luxembourg. Yes, you heard that right, Luxembourg. It's like the time your eccentric uncle thought h
Bourgmeisterin Episode #21: Vianden Castle
Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round for a tale of grandeur, transformation, and even a little bit of neglect, because we're about to embark on a whimsical journey through the ages with Vianden Castle, or as the locals affectionately call it, "Veiner Schlooss".Picture this: Vianden Castle, a fortress so mighty it's like the Disneyland of fortresses, located in the charming tow
Bourgmeisterin Episode #22: Yolanda of Vianden
Well, gather 'round, my friends, because we're about to dive into the riveting tale of Yolande de Vianden, the original teenage rebel with a holy cause! (Cue the drumroll!)So, we're whisked back to a time when flip phones weren't a thing, and Henry I, Count of Vianden, and Maguerite, the Marquise of Namur, were the power couple of the 13th century. In their corner, they had a feist
Bourgmeisterin Episode #23: Neimënster Abbey
Whether you fancy calling it Neumünster or Neimënster Abbey, this Benedictine bundle of bricks and history has had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster at a funfair run by caffeinated squirrels.To kick things off, before this Abbey even came about, there was already a district with an abbey that had quite the history. It turns out that the settlement on this property, which also included the Bo
Bourgmeisterin Episode #24: François Scheffer-Seyler
Once upon a time, in the quaint setting of Luxembourg City, there emerged a fellow by the name of François Scheffer. He graced the world with his presence on the first day of July in the year 1766, taking up residence at 16, rue des Capucins. Little did he know that he was destined for greatness – not as a royal pastry chef or a daring haberdasher, but as one of the city's most celebrated mayors.F
Bourgmeisterin Episode #25: Cercle Cité, the building that never was
Welcome to the "Zerkel" – the town's fancy way of saying the "Cercle municipal" on the Place d'Armes in Luxembourg City. It's not just any old office building – it's where the magic happens... administrative magic, that is. We're talking banquet halls, folks! Because who doesn't dream of having a board meeting and a wedding reception in the same place?No
Bourgmeisterin Episode #26: Baron de Gargan
Ah, the tale of Théodore-Charles-Joseph, baron de Gargan, one of the owners of the Villa Vauban back in the day, a gentleman of exquisite vintage hailing from the quaint town of Inglange, Moselle, where life was a potpourri of fine wine and cheese. Born on August 9, 1791, his earthly journey concluded with a final flourish on November 6, 1853. Why is his persona important for Luxembourg? Well, apa
Bourgmeisterin Episode #27: Lycée de Garçons
Once upon a time in Luxembourg City, there stood a majestic fortress of knowledge known as the Lycée de Garçons de Luxembourg, which translates to the Luxembourg Boys' High School for those who prefer their education served with a side of English😁 Nestled in the charming Limpertsberg quarter, this academic haven has been shaping young minds since who knows when (well, me, I actually know since
Bourgmeisterin Episode #29: Radio Luxembourg, Part 1
Once upon a time in the magical land of Luxembourg, there was a linguistic wizard named Radio Luxembourg, who spoke in tongues that echoed far beyond the realm of English. NOT to be mistaken for RTL, that came in the picture much later👆Picture this: back in 1933, when wireless telegraphs were cutting-edge and pet rocks were still a thing, Radio Luxembourg decided to grace the UK and Ireland with i
Bourgmeisterin Episode #30: Radio Luxembourg, Part 2 (1/3)
On continu avec l'histoire de Radio Luxembourg quoi!After World War II, when the Allied forces left Radio Luxembourg, the English-language service tried to kickstart transmissions as a full-time commercial radio station targeting the UK. They aimed to use the European long-wave band, with Stephen Williams back in the driver's seat.Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #30: Radio Luxembourg, Part 2 (2/3)
Thanks to this newfound competition with pirate radios, Radio Luxembourg had to do a quick wardrobe change. Out with the pre-recorded sponsored programs, in with a more flexible vibe. Picture Radio Luxembourg in a mid-life crisis, swapping its scripted lines for the thrill of the live, featuring spot advertising within record programs presented by disc jockeys who probably had a sea breeze in thei
Bourgmeisterin Episode #30: Radio Luxembourg, Part 2 (3/3)
The curtain lifted, and on September 12, 2005, Radio Luxembourg made a soft comeback in English at the crack of dawn. The airwaves were alive with the promise of a new era.At one point, Radio Luxembourg grooved at 7295 kHz in the DRM realm, but alas, RTL pulled the plug on that frequency, leaving the fate of the DRM station hanging in the radio air. The plot thickened as local DRM broadcasts conti
Bourgmeisterin Episode #31: Edward Steichen, Part 1 (1/2)
Once upon a time, in the magical land of Luxembourgerica, there lived a wizard named Édouard (Edward) Jean Steichen. But hold on, he wasn't your typical robe-clad, wand-waving wizard – oh no, he was a photographer, painter, and curator extraordinaire!This guy, Steichen, was basically the OG of turning pictures into highbrow masterpieces. He practically sprinkled fairy dust on snapshots and tur
Bourgmeisterin Episode #31: Edward Steichen, Part 1 (2/2)
Steichen wasn't just focused on the American scene; he had an international lens on his artistic microscope. He organised shows and made crucial acquisitions from Europe and Latin America, sometimes even hopping on a plane to do so. Under his reign, the Department published three books, including the famous "The Family of Man."Despite his solid career, Steichen did the ultimate flex
Bourgmeisterin Episode #32: Edward Steichen, Part 2 (1/2)
In the ancient era before Instagram influencers descended upon us like a well-dressed plague, fashion photography had humble beginnings. Picture this: engravings copied from photos of actresses trying to out-fashion each other, because who needs filters when you've got corsets?Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #32: Edward Steichen, Part 2 (2/2)
Steichen wasn't just focused on the American scene; he had an international lens on his artistic microscope. He organised shows and made crucial acquisitions from Europe and Latin America, sometimes even hopping on a plane to do so. Under his reign, the Department published three books, including the famous "The Family of Man".Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #33: Villeroy & Boch, Part 1
Back in the thrilling days of yore, when men in wigs roamed freely, François Boch, the OG metal maestro, decided he was tired of just smelting stuff. So, in 1748, he thought, "Why not spice things up a bit?" and birthed a pottery workshop in Audun-le-Tiche, a town in Lorraine. In an era when European porcelain was mostly a luxury import from the Far East, with prices that only the well-heeled coul
Bourgmeisterin Episode #33: Villeroy & Boch, Part 2
Around 1824, the Mettlach factory hit the jackpot by creating an impression under the glaze, adding a shield of armor to protect those snazzy decorations. And wait for it – they cracked the colorful code, solving the puzzle of printing in multiple hues. Take that, English trendsetters!Now, while Jean-François was sharpening his printing prowess with an English inspiration injection from his 1823 t
Bourgmeisterin Episode #33: Villeroy & Boch, Part 3
What also happened at the end of the 19th century was the invention of phanolith, the porcelain prodigy that's like the love child of jasperware (that British Wedgwood ceramics that I'm so obsessed with, y'all!🤩) and pâte-sur-pâte. Picture this: a semi-transparent marvel that embodies the best of both worlds.Jasperware stands as a distinctive type of pottery with its roots tracing back
Bourgmeisterin Episode #34: Hugo Gernsback, Part 1
Once upon a time in the quirky world of yesteryear, there lived a man named Hugo Gernsback, or as we like to call him, the grand poobah of sci-fi sass. Born with the slightly less sci-fi-sounding name Hugo Gernsbacher, this Luxembourgish-American dynamo strutted into the scene on August 16, 1884, and the universe of science fiction has never been the same since.Picture this: a dapper chap with dre
Bourgmeisterin Episode #34: Hugo Gernsback, Part 2
In the tumultuous year of 1929, our protagonist faced a twist of fate that even a cosmic oracle wouldn't have seen coming. Picture this: ownership of his first beloved magazines slipping through his fingers like stardust in a solar wind.Now, the cosmic gossip mill is alive with speculation. Was it a genuine misadventure, a dance with bankruptcy's cold embrace? Or perhaps a cunning manipula
Bourgmeisterin Episode #34: Hugo Gernsback, Part 3
His journey into the world of patents began with a bang – his first patent, a revolutionary method for manufacturing dry cell batteries. Filed on June 28, 1906, and granted on February 5, 1907, it was the spark that lit the fuse of Gernsback's inventive prowess.But Gernsback wasn't satisfied with just redefining batteries. His inventive spirit led him to craft a variety of gadgets that spa
Bourgmeisterin Episode #35: Robert Schuman, Part 1
Ah, the man, the myth, the Luxembourg-born French dynamo – Jean-Baptiste Nicolas Robert Schuman, or as we're going to affectionatly call him, "Robbie." Born on June 29, 1886, he decided to spice up the international political scene with his charming presence until his final bow on September 4, 1963.Robbie wasn't your average statesman; he was the Beyoncé of political thinkers and
Bourgmeisterin Episode #35: Robert Schuman, Part 2
Schuman, once a rising star, found himself facing the aftermath of his 1940 vote for Pétain – a decision that stirred up more trouble than a stirred martini. Initially, things weren't all sunshine and rainbows. His 1940 Pétain connection and ministerial duties made him a bit of a political pariah. In September 1944, General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny decided, "Hey, let's get Schuman o
Bourgmeisterin Episode #36: Sources Rosport
Picture this: the mid-1950s, a time of exploration and discovery, when a brewing family from Niederkerschen embarked on a quest to expand their empire beyond the realms of hops and barley. And who better to lead the charge than the intrepid geologist Michel Lucius?Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #37: Diekirch Beer
Back in the glory days of 1871, when handlebar mustaches were all the rage, Brasserie par actions de Diekirch was born with a cool one million francs in its pocket. The Dikrecher brewery had more name changes than a pop star and shuffled owners like a deck of cards over the next century. Fast forward a bit over a decade to 1886, and voilà – this is when the Brasserie went to TOWN! It was now the R
Bourgmeisterin Episode #38: Henri Tudor, Part 1
While most folks know Rosport for its refreshing mineral water, the 650-strong community holds another gem close to their hearts: Henri Owen Tudor, the mastermind behind the world's first car battery.Born in 1859 to Welshman John Thomas Tudor and local lass Marie Loser, Henri was destined for greatness from the start. With a lineage steeped in innovation – his brother Robert even donned the ma
Bourgmeisterin Episode #38: Henri Tudor, Part 2
This is the 2nd part about the man behind the illumination of the entire cities using only the batteries at the end of the 19th century! Have a listen to how his business skyrocketed thanks to the fruitful collaboration with a pal called Adolf Muller (who tried to screw him over in the end, but got busted hashtag#karma🤷🏻♀️)
Bourgmeisterin Episode #39: Differdange castle, part 1
Today we're discovering Differdange - one iron nickel at a time;) Would you be surprised to hear that iron was mined there as early as the Roman times? You better be because it's true! Miami university and all these things are great, but how about Differdange being the center of iron industry's attention mid 20th century? That's what we're saying😁
Bourgmeisterin Episode #39: Differdange castle, part 2
Be that the Romans or Industrialisation, the leithmotif was the same – iron🗿 Blast furnaces here, blast furnaces there, than boom! ARBED🗿🗿 Then BOOM! Demise of the industry and Arcelor swooping in. But theeen – Miami uni et al. Count John Dolibois in – a prominent Luxembourger turned American turned Luxembourger😁 Amazing place – 100 stories per square meter👌Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #40: Marie-Adelaide, part 1
Today we're talking about Marie-Adélaïde, probably the most unlucky Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. She was the first, in fact, Grand female Duchess, and the first Luxembourgish ruler (from the Nassau dynasty at least) to be born here, too. Dad passed away too soon without having done a proper handover to the little girl, and then there was just oo much noise coming from everywhere. No wonder she
Bourgmeisterin Episode #40: Marie-Adelaide, part 2
Right, so our first Grand Duchess lived through some pretty uneasy times of WWI, and the Entente powers were not making it particularly easier after its end doubting Luxembourg’s trustworthiness and demanding change of power:/ An almost coup d’état led annoying figure known as Emile Servais proclaiming himself the Republic of Luxembourg’s first president #wot🤦🏻♀️ Justice was restored in the end a
Bourgmeisterin Episode #65: Joseph Kutter, part 2
𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗞𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱: “𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻” 🎭🖌️ (part 2)By the 1930s, Europe was spiraling into chaos, and Kutter’s art was officially branded “degenerate” by Hitler’s regime – which, honestly, 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 😬🔥So Paris welcomed him while dictators fumed. Luxembourg? Still kind of awkward about him.Then came his famous Clowns series 🤡 – ex
Bourgmeisterin Episode #41: Luxembourgish dictionary, part 1
Not our most usual take indeed, but an important one – Luxemburger Wörterbuch is a dictionary of the Luxembourgish language that has its own history of 5 editions and a character of a tornado. If you thought rules ever applied here – think again! The language lives with the heart on its sleeve and adapts to the way people use it. Thread carefully!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #41: Luxembourgish dictionary, part 2
Not your typical dictionary drama, but here it is—the Luxembourger Wörterbuch found itself in the eye of a storm in 1996, courtesy of Paul Cerf’s fiery exposé. The Grand-Ducal Institute faced scrutiny for antisemitic and offensive content, with Minister Erna Hennicot-Schoepges ordering unsold copies removed. Controversy swirled—from censorship concerns to copyright disputes, sexism accusations by
Bourgmeisterin Episode #42: Jules Hoffmann, part 1
Today we're talking about an intrepid biology hero, a Nobel Prize winner from Luxembourg, Jules Hoffmann. Hoffmann grew up in Echternach, exploring the countryside with his dad, a biology professor who shared his love for insects. While most kids collected toys, Jules was busy marveling at bugs – and it turns out, that fascination would lead to something incredible.At Strasbourg university, Ju
Bourgmeisterin Episode #42: Jules Hoffmann, part 2
We're continuing with the story about Jules Hoffmann: in the late ’60s, a young technician in the Strasbourg lab caught Hoffmann’s eye. Little did he know, she’d soon become his wife, the mother of his two children, and his most trusted collaborator. Barely married, she went back to university, earning degrees in biochemistry and biology, joining Jules in his quest to unravel the mysteries of
Bourgmeisterin Episode #43: Beaufort castle
Once upon a time, nestled in the quaint countryside of Beaufort, in the mystical eastern realms of Luxembourg, lie not one, but two castles – a duo of historical wonder that will have you saying, "Medieval meets Renaissance? Sign me up!"Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #44: Gabriel Lippmann, part 1
We’re continuing with the stories about Luxembourgish Nobel Prize winners: Gabriel Lippmann can proudly claim the title of one of the pioneers bagging the award in 1908 – for figuring out how to reproduce colours in photos using a special effect called interference. But that’s not all. Before his big breakthrough, Lippmann made some fascinating discoveries in physics, including how electricity and
Bourgmeisterin Episode #44: Gabriel Lippmann, part 2
From getting screwed over by the Lumière brothers to winning a Nobel prize to playing match maker for Marie Curie: Gabriel Lippmann – a genius is a genius in everyting✨Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!
Bourgmeisterin Episode #45: Barry Alldis, part 1
In the golden era of radio, there was a bloke whose voice connected worlds – Australia, the UK, and little Luxembourg. Barry Alldis wasn’t just any DJ. He turned Radio Luxembourg into a must-listen for music lovers across Europe. For many people at that time, Alldis was Radio Luxembourg.Back in the 50s and 60s, when the UK’s airwaves were a bit... boring, Radio Luxembourg was the rebel, blasting t
Bourgmeisterin Episode #45: Barry Alldis, part 2
Barry Alldis wasn’t just about spinning records – he was a storyteller with a flair for the unexpected. One minute, he’d be dropping the latest hit, and the next? A dramatic tale about a Luxembourgish prince dueling over a plate of Judd mat Gaardebounen.His shows weren’t just about music: they were an adventure – packed with bizarre trivia, over-the-top jingles, and that signature charm that made
Bourgmeisterin Episode #46: Constitution of Luxembourg, part 1
Alrighty, guys, things are getting political… sort of! 😁 Luxembourg’s constitutional journey is like trying on outfits – they just couldn’t find the right fit at first. From 1815 to 1868, they tried on five different “constitutional looks,” but only the last three felt truly Luxembourgish. This story is more than just politics; it’s about a nation finding its identity amidst the chaos of history.F
Bourgmeisterin Episode #46: Constitution of Luxembourg, part 2
Alrighty folks, time for the glow-up of all glow-ups! ✨In 1868, Luxembourg said au revoir to the power-hungry vibes of 1856 and embraced a sleeker, freer version of its constitution. With the German Confederation gone and the London Conference confirming independence and neutrality, it was time for a serious upgrade. Enter: the Constitution of 1868 – not a total rewrite, but a remix that hit all t
Bourgmeisterin Episode #47: William I of the Netherlands, part 1
From royal heir to political exile, William's life was anything but ordinary. Imagine navigating international politics, revolutions, and wars without instant communication – William did just that through 18 years of intermittent exile! This episode explores his dramatic return to power after Napoleon's defeat, his visionary yet turbulent reign from 1815 to 1840, and how his abdication set
Bourgmeisterin Episode #47: William I of the Netherlands, part 2
From boldly declaring a kingdom while Napoleon was causing chaos, to dropping copper coins on cheering crowds earning him the nickname "the Copper King," William wasn't shy about making waves. But not everyone was thrilled with his rule, and tensions erupted into the fiery Belgian Revolution of 1830. Battles were fought, dramas unfolded, and after a messy war and plenty of political
Bourgmeisterin Episode #48: Walferdange castle
Ever tried cramming for finals while inhaling the ghosts of... the past?😄 Welcome to Walferdange “Castle” – a 19th‑century stud farm turned lecture hall where stallions once whinnied and professors now whine🙈 Built for William I’s four‑legged obsession, the place flopped at breeding draft horses, survived revolutions, hosted royals, sheltered refugees, and finally surrendered to PowerPoint. Today
Bourgmeisterin Episode #49: the Roman villa of Giewel
📍Think Luxembourg is just banks and EU suits? Think again.Hidden among its sleepy hills and polite cows is Giewel, where a priest with a shovel and zero chill unearthed an entire Roman villa in 1964. Meet Georges Kayser: part-time chaplain, full-time history junkie. While your grandpa collected stamps, Georges was digging up saunas, wine jars, and a mini Roman fortress.Turns out, Luxembourg is bas
Bourgmeisterin Episode #50: Luxembourg Coup D'Etat of 1856
🚨 Luxembourg’s Most Extra Plot Twist: The 1856 Coup 🚨Once upon a time, a royal drama unfolded in the Grand Duchy – not with swords or battles, but with a constitutional remix. Enter William III, who looked at the liberal reforms of 1848 and said, “Nah, let’s rewind.”On Nov 27, 1856, he grabbed a pen, rewrote the rules, and crowned himself the main character of a real-life monarchy soap opera. Pres
Bourgmeisterin Episode #51: Eva Siewert, part 1
🎙️Who needs fiction when you have Eva Siewert? Part 1Opera diva turned radio boss, trilingual icon, and all-around badass, Eva ruled the airwaves at Radio Luxembourg in the 1930s with more flair than a Eurovision final. Born to a Jewish opera star and a composer dad, Eva danced through Berlin’s golden era, wrote like a storm, flirted with politics (and Tehran), and fell in love with a woman at the
Bourgmeisterin Episode #51: Eva Siewert, part 2
If Part 1 was opera-meets-airwaves, Part 2 is prison floors, crushed dreams, and resistance at eye level. Literally – Eva’s forbidden love with Alice survived thanks to stolen glances through a bakery window while Berlin rotted under Nazi boots.Branded “predominantly Jewish,” shoved into prison, concussed in wooden clogs, and haunted by loss – Eva saw Alice and her sister deported to Auschwitz aft
