Emigrant exhibition: "Achterhoeker and Westmünsterländer on the road".

In fifty years, six to seven thousand people emigrated from the Dutch Achterhoek region alone. Numerous people also left the western Münsterland. Almost a third of the local rural population emigrated. Under the title "Achterhoeker und Westmünsterländer unterwegs" (Achterhoekers and West Münsterlanders on the move), the Heimathaus Mussum will be showing the living history of emigration on this side and the other side of the German-Dutch border from June 10 to 12.

Was my family there too? How topical is this subject in view of the flow of refugees from Ukraine? Why did they leave and where did they go? Many questions, which prompted the working group "Emigration" to work up this forgotten topic in an exhibition. The working group "Emigration" consists of the Euregional Historical Documentation Center, the foundation "Geschichtskreis Kotten" and the local history societies of Oeding and Mussum.

Visit of a relative inspired the exhibition

When a distant relative from the United States came to visit the neighboring Dutch region of Achterhoek, history came alive at that moment. The exhibition organizers took this visit as an opportunity to take a closer look at the history of emigration in the Achterhoek region and in Westmünsterland. The working group came to the conclusion that the topic is still relevant today and would like to bring it closer to the general public and education with an exhibition.

Built on experience

The exhibition is built on experiences. Visitors can experience it in two ways: As an emigrant who leaves and as a survivor who stays behind. A lot of information is provided about both perspectives. What was life like here and what did people experience when they decided to emigrate?

By sea to the USA

The journey to the ports, embarkation, the actual sea voyage, arrival in the U.S. with the issues involved, and then the journey to the place of settlement - the exhibition is devoted to all of these aspects. Parallels to later migrations are also briefly discussed. Given the current importance of the topic, the municipalities of Aalten, Bocholt and Winterswijk, together with the Euregio and the Prince Bernhard Fund, are financially supporting this initiative.

When can the exhibition be seen?

The exhibition can be seen on Friday, June 10 from 1 to 5 pm. The official opening will take place at 3 pm. On Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12, it will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Financially, the city of Bocholt supports the project. Admission is free.