How many secrets do you think are buried within these walls? This is the Haus der Stadtgeschichte. It stands as a guardian of Frankfurt’s rich past.
The Haus der Stadtgeschichte is one of Germany’s most significant municipal archives. It is also one of Frankfurt’s oldest cultural institutions. Its mission? To safeguard Frankfurt’s historical legacy. It also presents aspects of the city’s history through changing exhibitions. These exhibitions are enhanced by lectures, tours, and various event formats.
Since 1436 the Haus der Stadtgeschichte has preserved Frankfurt’s historical heritage. The building itself has an intriguing story. It is located in the Karmeliterkloster. This is Frankfurt’s only preserved medieval monastery complex. Inside, you can admire the pre-baroque murals by Jörg Ratgeb. They add another layer of historical significance to this place.
The Haus der Stadtgeschichte wasn’t always housed here. Before this location, Frankfurt’s first archive building was the Frauenrode Tower built in 1436. Documents were archived before this time. It started in 1219. The city decided to preserve its first Royal Privilege then. The oldest available document is a church document. It dates back to 882.
Initially, the City Council Archives were in the old City Hall. This location is now occupied by the Cathedral Tower. Royal Privileges were kept safe in the Leonhardsturm. This lasted from the late 14th century until 1612.
Move forward to 1405. Frankfurt acquired two buildings. They were named Zum Römer and Zum Goldenen Schwan. These were combined into a new City Hall. In 1436, an archiving facility was erected nearby.
Interestingly, Frankfurt appointed its first full-time archivist in 1613 or 1614. This was during the Fettmilch Revolt.
The Haus der Stadtgeschichte boasts three vaulted levels. These were constructed to be fireproof and burglar-proof. The building was spacious. Additional premises were not needed until 1761. The archived material survived weather, fires and wars. It remained almost intact until World War II.
After the Holy Roman Empire ended in 1806, Carl von Dalberg ordered an archiving system reform. It followed the French model. Two lawyers were to conduct this reform. If completed, large parts of the collection would have been destroyed. Fortunately, Dalberg resigned after Napoleon’s defeat in 1813. The plans never materialized.
Throughout the 19th century, the City Archives grew in significance. It became one of the oldest and biggest in Germany. Eminent historians visited. Leopold von Ranke spent four weeks here in 1836. He even borrowed 31 volumes of Imperial Diet files. He took them to Berlin for two years.
In 1863, the City Archives divided. They split into historical and administrative sections. Georg Ludwig Kriegk became the first historian to manage the historical archives. Decades later, both archives were combined again in 1904. They formed the City Archives.
In 1933, Frankfurt established an Advisory Centre on Genealogy and Proof of Ancestry. This was during the Nazi Party’s rise to power. This unit was part of the Frankfurt Health Authority, not the Archives.
During World War II, Allied air raids caused significant losses. The evacuation of documents started too late. A heavy daytime raid destroyed about one-third of the stocks. Another raid on September 12 1940 destroyed the entire building. It also destroyed any stocks buried in the rubble.
The Haus der Stadtgeschichte miraculously became operable soon after the war. It was first administered at the former Elsass-Lothringen-Institut. Later, it moved to Domstrasse 9 in 1946.
Finally, in 1959, the City Archives moved into the Carmelite Monastery.
In 1992, the City Archives became the Institute for the History of Frankfurt. This change reflected a new emphasis on public awareness. Today, the Haus der Stadtgeschichte continues to serve as a vital center. It connects the past and present for both researchers and the public.
Before we move on, take one last look at this building. Consider the countless stories it holds within its walls. From royal privileges to wartime survival, the Haus der Stadtgeschichte is a testament to Frankfurt’s enduring spirit.