Heimatmuseum Leer

The local history museum is housed in two trading houses from the 18th century, which on their own already have a museum-like character. House No. 14 belongs to the type of residential warehouse. The ground floor contained the business premises, and the first floor the living quarters. The attic and basement were used for storage. The outbuildings housed horses and wagons. The focus is on living culture. The extensive collection includes cabinets, chests, alcoves, seating furniture, clocks, household items made of pewter, copper and brass, dishes, and tiles. A small "Krüdeneerswinkel" from 1782 complements the collection. The prehistoric section displays finds from the first settlement phase in the Geest (Stone Age, Bronze Age, early Iron Age) and from the second settlement phase (Roman Empire). Highlights of the shipping section include 20 ship models, as well as the bow and stern of the last original inland tjalk of East Frisia. The local history section covers the following topics: Leer during the Migration Period, Liudger and the construction of the first church, monastery foundations around Leer, the chief Focko Ukena, the Leerort fortress, the Plytenberg, the founding and development of the Gallimarkt, linen weaving in Leer, Leer after being granted town status in 1823, and Leer in the 20th century with herring fishing.