geSCHICHTEN: The Rhenish mining area tells stories

Ein Kartenausschnitt des Rheinischen Reviers zeigt große Teile der Tagebauflächen.

The cultural heritage of the region between Cologne, Aachen, Mönchengladbach and Zülpich is very diverse. Combining two words, the German Schichten (layers) and Geschichten (stories), the expression „geSCHICHTEN“ is able to transport a variety of meanings in the German language.

It is capable of expressing both, stories and histories (“Geschichten”): Such as stories recollected from the memory, but also layers (“Schichten”) as in layers of time, layers of earth. The LVR cooperation project „geSCHICHTEN Rheinisches Revier“ tells some of them along the “life with upheavals” from the Neolithic Age to the present. We connect the various geSCHICHTEN of engaged citizens, local municipalities, civil society organisations, museums, archives, associations and other initiatives. Thus, the cultural heritage of the Rhenish region becomes more and more visible, specific and interconnected over time and with each new geSCHICHTE.

What is a geSCHICHTE?

A geSCHICHTE is an insight into the cultural past, present or future of the Rhenish mining area. Cultural heritage becomes visible and tangible along the geSCHICHTEN of various stakeholders as well as individuals. Therefore, multiple perspectives and different angles show the cultural complexity of the region.

A few examples:

  • A museum acquires a new object (or has one in its collection) illustrating a particular geSCHICHTE of the region. A brief, lively and illustrated text describes the object, classifies it thematically and refers to the corresponding exhibition of the museum.
Kehrblech und Besen sind an eine Tür gelehnt. Sie symbolisieren ein verlassenes Haus, das dem Braunkohlebagger weichen muss.
  • A museum acquires a new object (or has one in its collection) illustrating a particular geSCHICHTE of the region. A brief, lively and illustrated text describes the object, classifies it thematically and refers to the corresponding exhibition of the museum.

  • A private individual writes about a listed/interesting building (ensemble) that had to make way to opencast mining. In this way, the memory of a village that has already been re-settled is retained. In addition, historical photographs provide insights into past times.
  • A club member reports the activities of his or hers culturally committed association: on what it stands for, about meetings, celebrations, regular get-togethers etc. Others can find information on the association; participate as well as getting in touch in order to become active themselves. Thus, the immaterial cultural heritage of the Rhenish mining area is communicated and becomes more visible.

Who can submit a geSCHICHTE?

Everybody can submit a geSCHICHTE. Whether cultural actors and institutions such as associations, museums or civil society organisations, teachers and pupils, students, academics or private individuals. The offer addresses all people in the region and beyond. Even school projects or university seminars can contribute to geSCHICHTEN.

OUR TEAM

Alrun Berger, Projektkoordinatorin und Historikerin.

ALRUN BERGER

Project Coordinator; Research Associate

Historian. Researches processes of change and geSCHICHTEN from early industrialisation to the present. Particularly interested in memory-cultural dimensions of action and future concepts as well as the emergence of historical landscapes.

Marian Fritz, Historiker.

MARIAN FRITZ

Research Associate

Historian. Researches upheavals and geSCHICHTEN from the early modern period to the present. Particularly interested in global networking and exchange processes and the associated changes in perspective.

Kerstin Schierhold, Archäologin.

DR. KERSTIN SCHIERHOLD

Research Associate

Archaeologist. Researches upheavals, processes of change and geSCHICHTEN from the Neolithic Age to the Early Middle Ages. Particularly interested in the transformation of landscapes through human activity.

Judith Schmidt, Kulturanthropologin.

DR. JUDITH SCHMIDT

Research Associate

Cultural anthropologist. Researches everyday life culture and processes of change in the present and the past. Particularly interested in how people deal with change in their everyday lives and in processes and strategies that help to cope with everyday life.