Kevelaerer Blatt: A Chronicle of Kevelaer’s Heritage Since 1878

Kevelaerer Blatt: A Chronicle of Kevelaer’s Heritage Since 1878

The Kevelaerer Blatt (KB), affectionately known as “Kävels Bläche” in the local dialect, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of local journalism in Kevelaer, Germany. Established on December 28, 1878, by Elisabeth Ingmanns, the newspaper has been an integral part of the community, chronicling its events, challenges, and triumphs for nearly a century and a half.

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📜 Historical Overview

• 1878: Founded as Kevelaerer Volksblatt by Elisabeth Ingmanns, the newspaper served as a voice “for Throne and Altar,” reflecting its conservative and Catholic roots.

• 1939: Under the Nazi regime, publisher Jakob Köster was removed from editorial leadership, and the paper’s direction was altered.

• 1942: The newspaper was banned by the authorities.

• Post-WWII: Jakob Köster revived the publication, deliberately steering clear of political content due to past experiences.

• 1949 – 1980: Published under the title Aus Kevelaer und Umgebung.

• Late 1980s: Journalists Delia Evers and Martin Willing took over, transforming it into a politically and socially engaged city newspaper.

• 2008: Acquired by the WAZ Media Group and integrated with the local edition of Neue Ruhr Zeitung.

• 2016: Purchased by Kevelaer entrepreneur Rudolf Beerden, ensuring its continued local presence.

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🗞️ Editorial Focus

The Kevelaerer Blatt is a weekly newspaper published every Thursday, typically consisting of sixteen pages, with at least fourteen dedicated to editorial content. Its primary focus is on local news and background reports from Kevelaer and the surrounding areas. The newspaper covers a range of topics, including political and economic events, cultural activities, sports, and the vibrant social life of the community. Given Kevelaer’s status as a renowned Marian pilgrimage site attracting approximately 800,000 pilgrims annually, the Kevelaerer Blatt also provides extensive coverage of pilgrimage-related events and stories.

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📚 Archival Resources

Since 1994, the Kevelaerer Blatt has developed an extensive archive comprising over 60,000 digitized documents, chronicling the region’s history from the 16th to the 21st century. This archive is freely accessible to the public, offering valuable insights into the area’s rich heritage. Additionally, nearly all editions are preserved in the archives of the Priesterhaus and the Lower Rhine Museum for Folklore and Cultural History in Kevelaer.

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🌐 Explore More

• Official Website: kevelaerer-blatt.de

• Wikipedia Entry: Kevelaerer Blatt – Wikipedia

• Digital Archives: Access historical editions through the ULB Bonn / Zeitpunkt NRW

• City Archive: Explore the Stadtarchiv Kevelaer for more historical documents.