A number of cultural events take place every year in the 'Ernsbacher Kelter' with the backing of the local town council. To a certain degree the Ernsbacher Kelter has developed in recent years into a default community centre. Museums The building housing the Kern Haus historical museum in Forchtenberg dates back to 1370. For 3 generations it was home to the Kern family of artists. It subsequently provided working premises for local stonemasons and sculptors who mined stones from the local hills to sculpt statues for the surrounding region. The museum also documents the life and times of Hans and Sophie Scholl. Local architecture The centre of Forchtenberg dates back to the Middle Ages surrounded by partially intact, partially renovated fortifications. This includes the Town Hall which was home to many local dignitaries including the Scholl family. Over the old town lie the ruins of the old fortress, including a large vaulted cellar. Down the valley from the old town stands the former gypsum quarry. The entire old town of Forchtenberg is subject to a preservation order which also extends to the ruined fortress on the hill and the Valley Church cemetery. Sindringen also boasts many buildings dating back to the Middle Ages with partially renovated town walls. The Town Mill in Sindringen and Sindringen Castle (which is now in private ownership) are also popular tourist spots. Regular events Forchtenberg old town is home to an annual mediaeval Christmas market on every first weekend of Advent. In May every year Sindringen is home to a large pottery market which is attended by potters from all over Europe. Every July the Christian Rock in the Ruins Openair Festival takes place in the old hill ruins. At the end of July/beginning of August the old hill ruins are home to an open-air cinema. Famous people from Forchtenberg Leonhard Kern (1588–1662) German sculptor Johann (later John) Christian Wohlmann (1745–1825, London-based gold and silver refiner, forebear of more than 11 generations of descendants living all over the world, including the British Isles, USA, Germany and Australia. Robert Gradmann (1865–1950) German botanist The Scholl family Sophie Scholl, important member of the German White Rose resistance movement. Born 9 May 1921, executed by the Nazis on 22 February 1943 in Munich. Hans Scholl, important member of the German White Rose resistance movement. Born in Ingersheim 22 September 1918, also executed by the Nazis on 22 February