While the bulk of their time was spent meeting German officials, educators and business representatives to thank them for their Nebraska connections or encourage investment in Nebraska, members of the Nebraska Trade Mission to Germany did take time to learn about German history and culture in the city of Münster. The delegation is shown in the historic city council chambers at the town hall, which date to the 1600s. The chambers were saved from bombing in World War II by creative council members. Nazi officials didn’t want the historic woodwork removed because to do so would admit to citizens their city might be in danger. Council members told Nazi officials there were worms in the wood and it needed to be removed for treatment and was then spirited away for safekeeping in the country until after the war. Midwest Messenger correspondent Barb Bierman Batie was part of the delegation and is pictured in the back row, far right.