Jewish and Dissident Registers in Bielefeld: Discover History Digitally
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Making Forgotten Life Stories Visible: The Jewish and Dissident Registers in Westfalen-Lippe
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the event at the Stiftskirche Schildesche will shed light on a significant archival collection related to the history of Westphalia and Lippe. The focus will be on the Jewish and dissident registers of the 19th century and their current importance for genealogical research, local history, and Jewish genealogy.
Historical Insights into a Special World of Sources
The registers document births, marriages, and deaths of individuals who were not members of official churches. Approximately 900 register volumes were created in Westphalia and Lippe in the 19th century. They preserve personal data and historical traces of Jewish people, dissidents, Quakers, and other religious communities.
The event contextualizes the emergence of these sources within the development of civil registry systems. Different regional regulations, Prussian administration, and the introduction of civil registries in 1874 shaped the record-keeping.
From Archives to Digital Research
In 2017, the online indexing of the Jewish and dissident registers began. The collaborative project of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Archive, the Society for Computer Genealogy, and the Westphalian Society for Genealogy and Family Research was completed in early 2026. This resulted in 142,093 searchable personal data records from 12,843 processed pages.
A particular emphasis is placed on the online database JuWeL. It offers those interested new ways to explore familial connections, historical residences, and regional developments. Thus, the lecture connects traditional archival work with modern digital genealogy.
An Evening for History, Remembrance, and Genealogy
The event is aimed at history enthusiasts, genealogists, and anyone interested in Jewish history and regional memory culture. The calm atmosphere of the Stiftskirche provides a fitting setting for engaging with sources that preserve individual life stories across generations.
From the perspective of event planning, the evening combines professional introduction, historical contextualization, and practical orientation. The audience's engagement thrives on shared discovery: seemingly dry register entries become names, families, and biographies.
Conclusion: History Becomes Personal
The Jewish and dissident registers in Westfalen-Lippe illustrate how closely archival history, genealogy, and regional identity are interconnected. Those who wish to understand what traces people left in the 19th century and how digital research today creates new access will experience an informative and moving evening in Schildesche. Admission is free, and registration is not required.
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