Stepping into the courtyard at Himmelgeister Straße 73, you’ll find the Bilker Heimatarchiv. It’s not just dusty shelves and forgotten files. It’s a vibrant portal to Bilk’s past. The Bilker Heimatarchiv, established in 1976 by the Bilker Heimatfreunde e.V., isn’t just about preserving the association’s history. It’s a treasure trove of Bilk’s story. Named after Hermann Smeets, the archive’s initiator and long-time president, the Bilker Heimatarchiv draws a diverse crowd. Local citizens, history buffs, students, and researchers all find something to captivate them within its walls. Imagine holding a piece of Bilk’s astronomical history. The Bilker Heimatarchiv houses a remarkable collection of instruments and documents from the old Bilk observatory. The archive also holds a comprehensive library about Düsseldorf and Bilk. More than just local history, the Bilker Heimatarchiv houses one of the largest collections dedicated to the poet Ferdinand Freiligrath. Freiligrath lived in Bilk in 1849 and 1850. A poignant corner within the Bilker Heimatarchiv is a memorial to Leo Statz. Statz was a carnivalist and carnival president. He was sentenced to death by the People’s Court for his anti-fascist statements. The Bilker Heimatarchiv isn’t just a repository. It’s a place where the stories of Bilk come alive, offering a window into a rich and vibrant past.
Landesrat Dr. M. Brandts Plaque
“Seinem verehrten Mitbegründer dem tatkräftigen Mitbegründer Herr Landesrat Dr. M. Brandts gest. 16. Oktober 1905 in Dankbarkeit gewidmet.” This is