HAUS SEEFAHRT
Tradition and care since 1545
The Foundation
About us
The STIFTUNG HAUS SEEFAHRT is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Europe. Since its foundation in 1545, it has been dedicated to caring for seafarers, their families and the common good of the Hanseatic city of Bremen. Its work goes far beyond simply preserving tradition – it is social responsibility in action with a maritime core.
Today, the STIFTUNG HAUS SEEFAHRT foundation is involved in three key areas:
- Support for seafarers and their families: Captains in need and their families receive financial and personal support – today just as they did centuries ago. A central location for this assistance is the Seefahrtshof in Bremen-Grohn: a residential complex that enables seafaring members to live independently in a maritime community.
- Education and public welfare: The STIFTUNG HAUS SEEFAHRT foundation promotes social cohesion in Bremen, supports social projects and initiates programmes for young people, such as scholarships, etc.
- Social Credit Points: Through its own programme, the STIFTUNG HAUS SEEFAHRT awards social credit points to students of maritime subjects in recognition of their voluntary work in social or education-related projects.
HAUS SEEFAHRT and the Schaffermahlzeit
HAUS SEEFAHRT is not only the conceptual sponsor of the Schaffermahlzeit – it also organizes and is responsible for this traditional event every year.
The Schaffermahlzeit serves a very specific purpose: it secures the financial basis of the HAUS SEEFAHRT FOUNDATION. The income from donations and contributions during the meal enables the foundation to fulfill its diverse social tasks on a permanent basis.
Every year, HAUS SEEFAHRT appoints the three Schaffer, coordinates the event, and preserves the historical rituals – as well as the modern aspiration to open up to society.
Members and participation
The STIFTUNG HAUS SEEFAHRT is supported by two groups: the maritime members and the commercial members, who come from Bremen’s economic and social life.
This special combination of expertise and regional ties is a cornerstone of the STIFTUNG HAUS SEEFAHRT – across all generations.
A list of the seafaring members can be found here on the STIFTUNG HAUS SEEFAHRT website.
A list of commercial members can be found here on the STIFTUNG HAUS SEEFAHRT website.
Are you interested in becoming a seafaring member and/or would you like to find out more about the foundation?
Further information can be found on the foundation’s website:
