Stadtarchiv (Aachen City Archive), Aachen

The Stadtarchiv Aachen keeps written records that show how local life developed from the Middle Ages to today. Its collections include official files, old maps, photographs, newspapers, and private papers. Some documents are more than 1,000 years old. Together, they record how government, trade, schools, and daily routines changed over time.

Many holdings come from the medieval and early modern periods. These include charters, council minutes, and legal texts that explain how rules were made and how people were governed. Historic maps and building plans show how neighborhoods grew or shifted. Personal letters, diaries, and business records add a more private view, helping visitors understand everyday life beyond official decisions.

The archive also includes material from the 19th and 20th centuries, covering industrial growth, migration, and the two World Wars. Photographs, posters, and newspapers show public events, work life, and social change. Although it mainly serves researchers, visitors can still learn from temporary exhibitions and guided introductions that present original documents in a clear and accessible way.