Wermelskirchen in mind: 10 years of historical calendar and new books!

Wermelskirchen in mind: 10 years of historical calendar and new books!

The Bergisches History Association in Wermelskirchen (BGV) has developed in a wide range of people under the direction of Volker Ernst and positions itself as an important institution for those interested in history. Ernst, who took over the management of the association in 2015, was instrumental in initiating a historical calendar, which was first published in 2015 and was now published the tenth. It offers a fascinating comparison of old and new cityscapes and quickly established itself as a popular medium.

Ernst, grew up in a three-generation house, found his interest in the story through a letter from his great-grandfather, which had shaped his motivation for family research since he was 14. Ernst has been involved in the BGV since 2011, where he was initially active under the direction of Klaus-Dieter Buse. His expertise, which he obtained from studying information and mathematics, benefits the association, especially in the digitization of archive stocks.

contribution to local history

The association offers a variety of publications that deal with the Wermelskirchen history. The latest volume 19 of the series "Wermelskirchen - Contributions to our History" has appeared under the leadership of Ernst. This deals with school history in Wermelskirchen and in adjacent places and includes a period of time from the outgoing Middle Ages to current events. With 400 pages, almost 300 illustrations and unpublished aerial photographs, it is an extensive work that is available for 39.90 euros (members 37.90 euros).

Another highlight is the calendar for 2025, which presents historical cityscapes of Wermelskirchen, including photos from the 1890s to 1960s. The price for this is 19.90 euros for non-members and 18.40 euros for members. The association has a lively participation in its well -attended lectures that have continued a tradition since 1927.

archive use and research

The archive of the Bergisches History Association represents a valuable resource for family research. It is used by many Wermelskircheners and is accessible to everyone interested. According to the website of the Wermelskirchen City Archives, the use is fundamentally free of charge and offers support in research. The users need an application that can be downloaded online or filled out on site. In addition, some materials for research are available online, which facilitates accessibility for historians and family researchers.

Ernst emphasizes the importance of the archive structures and sees many of the current challenges anchored in the historical documents. For him it is clear: "You can learn from history and do it better." This is also reflected in the 19 previous publications of the BGV, which address various aspects of local history, including school history.

In addition, the association plans a special edition for the city anniversary 2023, which combines 27 contributions from 22 authors. With 384 pages and 454 illustrations, it should offer a comprehensive overview of the history of Wermelskirchen. In terms of price, this work is 32.50 euros in the local book trade.

A special work about Carl Schmitz, which was born in 1875 and has a remarkable life story, complements the publication offer. In her book, the author Marita Jendrischewski is devoted to the life of the missionary, who was 24 years old when he joined the Rhenish Mission Society. The book is available for 17.90 euros.

Due to the numerous publications and activities, the BGV in Wermelskirchen represents a valuable contact point for those interested in history and promotes understanding and dealing with the past of the region.