Who we are

Who we are ...

We are an association of interested people who are passionate about the history of their home community of Kürten and the surrounding area. Our aim is to raise historical awareness and promote the development of the community on the basis of its historical structures.

We are committed to the preservation of historical evidence and the cultivation of the dialect. We strengthen the sense of community through regular lectures, as also excursions and social gatherings with a historical connection.

We publish the results of our research every two years or so in the "Kürtener Schriften" and other special publications on selected topics.

The association was founded in 1990 and currently has around 80 members.

The club logo...

The logo of our association shows

Kürten with church and half-timbered house and the Kürten symbols "Kü'eter Brezel" and "Kü'eter Piefe". A "Kiepenkerl" smokes the pipe and carries the pretzels in his pannier.

The graphic for the logo was created by Elfi von Krüdener from Offermannsheide-Engeldorf. This lady, who died a long time ago, was active in a variety of artistic fields, including painting and drawing for local associations.

A Kiepenkerl is a historical term for a traveling merchant or craftsman who transports his goods or products in a so-called Kiepe, a carrying frame or basket, on his back or on a pole on his shoulder.

Traditionally, Kiepenkerle were on the move in rural areas and sold their goods, such as household items, food, textiles or tools, at weekly markets, fairs or in villages where there may have been no permanent stores. They often carried their goods over long distances from place to place, which is why they were also known as itinerant traders.