Discover history. Find traces.
Get answers.

The Bocholt town archive preserves the written history of our town - and helps you to answer your own questions about the past. Regardless of whether you are interested in science, family research, a school project or history: Here you will find sources, advice and support.

From medieval documents to e-mails, the city archive has more than 800 years of the city's history. The city archive is therefore the place to go for all questions about Bocholt's history.

We look forward to your visit and will be happy to assist you with your questions and provide guidance when working with the many different sources.

Would you like to find out something about the history of the town or about a Bocholt family or personality?
With our online enquiry form, you can ensure that we receive all relevant information directly.

The link or the adjacent QR code will take you to our enquiry form.

As the "memory of the city", the Bocholt city archive permanently preserves important documents of the city administration and the former Liedern-Werth office and makes them accessible to the public. The holdings range from the year 1201 to the present day and are continually growing, including through digital files.

In addition to official documents, the archive also collects private sources such as newspapers, bequests, association and company documents as well as historical collections (e.g. maps, photos and films) in order to ensure a comprehensive picture of the town's history.

As the "memory of the city", the city archive not only has the task of storing knowledge, but also the task of communicating historical awareness.

In addition to ongoing projects such as the photo of the month, the Bocholt city history discussion group or the publication series "Our Bocholt" (together with the Verein für Heimatpflege Bocholt e. V.) and "Bocholter Quellen und Beiträge", the city archive also participates in city history projects such as the Bocholt picture panels.

For interested members of the public, the city archive offers free guided tours of the stacks on request, with an introduction to the variety of sources available, research techniques and the use of unique sources.

As the "memory of the city", the city archive not only has the task of storing knowledge, but also the task of communicating historical awareness.

As part of its active historical education work, the city archive thus makes an important contribution to the city's culture of remembrance. The city archive also sees itself as an extracurricular place of learning and can be thematically integrated into school lessons by means of a visit.

By prior arrangement, a wide variety of projects can be offered on a wide range of topics in terms of type and scope. In addition, the archive is available to support all pupils or students in the selection and preparation of specialised or term papers.

The holdings of the Bocholt City Archive can be used by all interested parties within the framework of the legal provisions - regardless of the purpose.

Consultation is generally free of charge. Fees are only charged for special services such as research by staff or reproductions (except for educational/scientific purposes).

Free guided tours with an insight into the holdings and research are offered for groups. Pre-booking is recommended in order to optimise your visit.