City archive of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer
The town archive is an important part of the historical memory of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer and its districts, as numerous documents, files, photos and other documents and media from Kevelaer's history are stored here.
One of the archive's tasks is to store, organize and record documents of legal and historical importance to the town and its administration. This includes both modern administrative files of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer as well as historical holdings of the Kervenheim office, which was dissolved in 1969, and the former partially independent municipalities of Winnekendonk, Wetten, Twisteden, Kleinkevelaer and Kervendonk. In this respect, the archive's holdings include documents, official records, municipal accounts and tax lists, some of which date back to the 17th century. In addition, there are the registry office registers from 1799 onwards, historical building files and various maps, plans and posters.
In addition to the traditional administrative files, the archive also holds documents of non-official origin that are relevant to social and economic life in the town and its districts, for example from associations, companies, political parties or from donations and bequests from private individuals. These include a collection of printing plates by the artist Karl Neuy, as well as a complete collection of newspapers from the "Kevelaerer Blatt" (1879 to the present). In addition, an extensive photo and media library has been established, which presents not only classic photographs, slides and negatives, but also a unique collection of postcards and various videos relating to Kevelaer.
The archive makes these documents available for administrative purposes, scientific research and for the interested public.
Utilization
Use of the municipal archive is generally open to all interested parties. In this regard, please register in advance or order files in advance to ensure that your request is processed quickly and the relevant files are made available. Information and assistance is provided in writing, by telephone or by prior arrangement on site. For your inquiries or to make an appointment, you can contact the city archive by e-mail at archiv@kevelaer.de or by telephone. A reference library is available with numerous publications on the history of Kevelaer and its districts, as well as on the Duchy of Geldern and the surrounding area on the Lower Rhine. As is generally the case in archives, it is not possible to borrow archive materials and books.
The corresponding data protection provisions apply to inquiries .
The use in presence is basically free of charge, but fees are charged for certain services in accordance with our administrative fee statutes .
Genealogy
Users of the municipal archive frequently request genealogical research. In this regard, the city archive has a collection of civil status documents that can be viewed in accordance with legal requirements: Birth registers after 110 years, marriage registers after 80 years and death registers after 30 years. More recent documents can be found at the registry office. Only persons to whom the entry relates and their spouses, life partners, ancestors and descendants in a direct line may request information from the register office's books.
Building file archive
The Kevelaer town archive manages the historical building files of the town of Kevelaer up to around 1945 and those of the former Kervenheim office from the period up to 1969. If you wish to inspect existing buildings, a declaration of consent from the owner is required; after transmission, the files are made available digitally. For more recent building files, please contact Department 2.2 - Building Regulations and Monument Protection.
Partner
There are various institutions and associations in Kevelaer and the surrounding area that deal with the history of the town and make it accessible to an interested public. Here, users can often find media, records and information to supplement the holdings of the town archive.
