The Arbeitskreis für Erdstallforschung e. V.

Since 1973, the Arbeitskreis für Erdstallforschung e. V. (‘Working group for Erdstall Research’) is dedicated to the scientific investigation, documentation, and protection of the Erdställe.

The members of the Arbeitskreis are working on a voluntary basis. They carry out surveys and excavations, organise international meetings of Erdstall researchers, and since 1975 publish their latest results in the journal Der Erdstall. They provide advisory support to owners of Erdställe, act as mediators between them and administrative authorities to assist with upcoming shoring projects, and help with applications. The Arbeitskreis für Erdstallforschung e. V. was founded on 23 November 1973 by Karl Schwarzfischer in Roding. Schwarzfischer is considered a pioneer of the Erdstall research in Bavaria and for many years was the chairman of the working group.

Regine Glatthaar – chairwoman of the Arbeitskreis between 1990 and 2009 and since honorary chairwoman – was awarded the Bundesverdienstmedaille (‘Federal Medal of Merit’) in 2013 for her commitment.

For its service to the preservation of the Erdställe, the Silberne Halbkugel des Deutschen Preises für Denkmalschutz was conferred to the Arbeitskreis für Erdstallforschung e. V. in 2018.