Archaeology for kids

Where do we come from? How did we develop? At the excavation site on St Stephen's Church Square, schoolchildren embark on an exciting journey through the city's history.

31 August 2023 by Sandra Berges
Dr Joachim Meffert and Ivonne Durant
  • Excavation manager Dr Joachim Meffert and Ivonne Durant discover history in a child-friendly way: Excavation manager Dr Joachim Meffert and Ivonne Durant are looking forward to an exciting archaeology project with the children of Beckum.

Archaeology is on the trail of human history: Where do we come from? How did we develop? This trail can be followed from the beginnings of mankind to the modern age. Traces of our ancestors can also be found in many places in Beckum. And new archaeological finds are constantly coming to light - such as the current excavation at Stephanus-Kirchplatz.

Journey through the city's history
In order to give the youngest Beckum residents an insight into this valuable historical work, the city marketing department and the city museum are now offering an exciting urban archaeology project for children from local primary schools. "Together with the young researchers, we're going on a journey through the city's history in September," reports Ivonne Durand. The trained excavation technician developed the child-friendly project together with museum educator Silvia Brede from the Beckum City Museum.

"In this way, we bring primary school children closer to the history of their town. They come across traces of people in the Middle Ages and learn about the exciting work of archaeologists and their tools," says Silvia Brede.

Exciting discoveries
As reported, the excavation team found a large gravestone from the 15th century and a fragment of a so-called pilgrim's horn, among other things. Remains of the former bridal portal also came to light on the north side of the Gothic provost church. The name refers to the medieval custom of marrying in front of the church portal and then entering for mass.

Further offers
In addition to the special programme for schools, there are other exciting educational offers at the Stadtmuseum. If you are interested, please contact Silvia Brede, 02521 29-4243 or brede@beckum.de.