Urban history discussion group: Migration in Münsterland since 1945

On Wednesday, 1 October 2025, the city of Bocholt invites you to the next city history discussion group at 6.30 pm in the media centre (Alter Bahnhof), Hindenburgstraße 5. This time, the focus will be on a lecture by historian Dr Christoph Lorke on the topic of "Migration in Münsterland since 1945: A workshop report".

Dr Lorke, who conducts research at the LWL Institute for Regional History, traces the development of migration in the Münsterland after the Second World War. He spans the period from the reception of refugees and displaced persons in the immediate post-war years to the "guest workers" who came to the region as part of the economic miracle, to the heterogeneous groups that have characterised immigration since the 1980s: Late repatriates, GDR resettlers, asylum seekers and war refugees.

The lecture thus addresses a socially and politically highly topical issue. Migration is a normal part of human existence, according to the thesis of migration researcher Jochen Oltmer, which Dr Lorke also takes up in his workshop report. The aim of the evening is to highlight historical perspectives and contribute to the objectification of current debates.

After the lecture there will be an opportunity for discussion with the speaker. The event is organised by the Bocholt city archives and the Bocholt-Rhede-Isselburg adult education centre as part of the city history discussion group. Admission is free.