Old School Museum
Attention - This is not the Herborn "High School"!
Since there have been several misunderstandings, we would like to point out that regarding the Herborn High School, you should contact the Herborn Historical Society (02772 3802), the city administration (02772 708-0) or the tourist office (02772 708-224).
Our "Old School" was built around 1602 as a community building. The exact year was determined through chronological investigations during renovations. Further archival research uncovered, among other things, a count's timber invoice from 1602 for a school building in the village of Herborn-Seelbach. At that time, the building served as a school, a community center, and a fire engine house for the village, which had approximately 300 inhabitants.
WAN MIR NICHT GOT HET DIE GENAD VERLAVEN SO HET ICH MICHEL SCHEFER DAS HAVS NICHT KVND BAVEN IO MOLL
Due to industrialization, Seelbach had grown considerably around the turn of the century, making it necessary to move to a newly built school in the autumn of 1895. However, the "Old School" continued to be used for confirmation classes and as a cooking school until 1945/46.
In the same year, following interventions by Seelbach citizens and committees, the town of Herborn, into which Seelbach has been incorporated since the 1977 regional reform, decided to restore the "Old School" through the state of Hesse's renovation program. The renovation took three years, and the resulting outcome is truly impressive.
On the ground floor of the house there is now a room with a kitchenette, which is ideal for small celebrations or meetings.
On the first floor there is, among other things, a meeting room which is used by Seelbach citizens and clubs.
The second floor and the attic house the premises of our local history museum.
Spread over two floors are interesting exhibits showcasing rural life, typical of part-time farming up until the 1950s. Since mining was once vital to this part of Herborn, and many miners lived here, a meticulously curated mining corner is a must. This area is complemented by an extensive mineral collection.
In the attic there is an original shoemaker's and wheelwright's workshop from the estate of Seelbach craftsmen.
After the departure of
An exhibition recounts the nearly 30 years the military unit was stationed here. In the display cases, visitors can admire border and protocol books, church letters, Bibles, and hymnals from bygone eras. Naturally, a living museum also includes historical images of Seelbach and of village life in earlier times.
The renovation of the building has succeeded in preserving a piece of cultural heritage that is important for our village for future generations.
Our association always strives to bring visitors closer to life in our "village through the ages" with its exhibitions and exhibits.
Opening hours of the Local History Museum: by appointment
Address: Hohe Straße 14 - 35745 Herbornseebach
