Description [EN]
The Stadtarchiv Hagen is a municipal institution tasked with preserving the city’s documentary heritage and significant materials related to the regional and urban history of Hagen. Functioning as a specialized division within the city administration, it assumes central responsibility for the systematic organization, conservation, and scholarly cataloguing of archival records and other historically valuable items produced in the context of Hagen’s political, economic, and social development.
The earliest municipal records date back to Hagen’s elevation to city status in 1887. Throughout the twentieth century, these administrative documents were gradually systematized and stored in various archival locations. Eventually, the city established an independent archival department, which since then has managed both official records and private donations, including personal estates and photographic collections. Ongoing acquisitions, gifts, and long-term loans have continually enriched the holdings.
The extensive collection comprises several specialized series. Official materials, such as council minutes, administrative files, documents on urban expansion, and construction plans, form the core of the archive. These are complemented by historical maps, survey plans, cadastral records, and technical drawings that provide insights into the city’s architectural and infrastructural evolution. A major photographic collection documents social life, architecture, and industrial development from the nineteenth century to the present day. In addition, the archive holds collections of pamphlets, posters, and the personal papers of notable figures from culture, politics, and business.
Researchers and the general public can access archival materials on site in the reading room by appointment. An online catalogue already facilitates research into thousands of digitized documents, maps, and photographs. Genealogy enthusiasts may consult copies of church registers and civil status records. Archivists provide targeted advice on local and regional history inquiries, assist with editorial projects, and collaborate with academic institutions.
The Stadtarchiv Hagen regularly organizes exhibitions on various historical themes. Accompanying publications, including essays, source editions, and research reports, are issued in the archive’s own series. Furthermore, the institution is actively engaged in digital processing initiatives to ensure that Hagen’s documentary heritage and local memory cultures are permanently preserved and made widely accessible through online platforms.