Brussels in pictures throughout the years
History and heritage are not only defined by experts, they belong to all of us and are linked to who we are and where we come from. It is what we consider important to preserve and remember for future generations, something that goes way further than old buildings or statues of important historical personalities. Think about small heritage such as family photos, snapshots of everyday life, postcard collections that tell stories about the history, events, lifestyles and habits of the Brusselers in the past.
History and heritage are not only defined by experts, they belong to all of us and are linked to who we are and where we come from. It is what we consider important to preserve and remember for future generations, something that goes way further than old buildings or statues of important historical personalities. Think about small heritage such as family photos, snapshots of everyday life, postcard collections that tell stories about the history, events, lifestyles and habits of the Brusselers in the past.
“We founded the heritage database “Erfgoedbank” in 2016 with the intention to carefully preserve, exhibit and treasure these countless stories for current and future generations. This digital window on the past gathers private collections of collectors, families, associations and heritage enthusiasts. Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, everyone can now enjoy these hidden gems. The (digital) sharing of our history and common heritage can only enrich our society,” says VGC college member for Culture and Heritage Pascal Smet.
“We notice that many Brusselers share a passion for local history. They have often collected several small treasures at their homes. Especially in municipalities such as Laeken, Neder-Over-Heembeek or Haren, there is a great interest in saving the uniqueness and history of their neighbourhood. Thanks to this heritage database, we do not only gather stories and postcards, but also people. The City of Brussels had to be included in this project,” says Ans Persoons, alderwoman for Dutch-language Affairs of the City of Brussels.
The municipalities of Jette, Ganshoren, Auderghem, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert have been partners of the Brussels heritage database for some time. The City of Brussels has now joined them and will explore the small and local history of Brussels through photos, postcards, sound recordings, etc. from the private collections of its inhabitants. This heritage will be digitised and uploaded to the website www.erfgoedbankbrussel.be. www.erfgoedbankbrussel.be.
From now on, Brusssels (pentagon, southern part Louise-Roosevelt and the European Quarter), Neder-Over-Heembeek, Haren en Laeken each have their own heritage website with an information page and a digital collection. It is possible to enter French or Dutch information on the website.
The “Erfgoedbank” is looking for volunteers to digitise photos, postcards, films and objects older than 20 years. Since interest and passion for local heritage is what counts, volunteers do not need to have heritage experience or a degree in history. They will receive training from the Brussels heritage unit (VGC) to learn how to work with the heritage database and scanner.
In the City of Brussels, four volunteer groups started in 2021. We are looking for volunteers in Brussels, Haren, Neder-Over-Heembeek and Laeken to detect, scan, describe and share the private heritage. The Brussels Erfgoedbank is an initiative of the Flemish Community Commission VGC, in cooperation with many local Brussels partners. It will never own the borrowed heritage and it also organises sessions for specific neighbourhoods to give more information on the initiative.
The Brussels heritage unit runs the website. Each municipality can become a partner of the Erfgoedbank.
For example, as a partner, the Archives of the City of Brussels support Brusselers who have questions about the storage of their heritage collection. Sometimes this support is very useful, because when a heritage collection needs a new home, it is possible to be referred to the Archives.
