Guest Speaker Peter Keup Visits GSSB

On November 1, 2025, the German Saturday School of Boston (GSSB) had the honor of welcoming back Peter Keup, who shared his extraordinary life story with our upper-grade students and interested parents.

Peter, who grew up in the DDR (East Germany), spoke about his attempt to escape to the West, his subsequent imprisonment, and his eventual release through a political-prisoner exchange in which West Germany purchased his freedom. His presentation offered a deeply personal perspective on life under the East German regime and provided valuable insight into the lived experiences of people during a divided Germany.

The event included a 30-minute talk followed by a 30-minute Q&A and discussion, giving students in eighth grade and above — as well as parents — the chance to engage directly with Peter and ask thoughtful questions about his experiences and the historical context.

In preparation, students had been encouraged to review Chronik der Mauer, an online resource offering background on the Berlin Wall and East German life, to help them participate in a more informed and meaningful discussion.

This visit also created an opportunity to connect historical learning with personal stories within our own community, as several of our teachers and parents have firsthand experience of the DDR era and contributed their perspectives to the conversation.

Peter Keup last visited GSSB five years ago, and we were honored to host him again for another memorable event that strengthened our collective understanding of freedom, resilience, and the importance of remembering history.