Bremen Chamber of Commerce Archive

The economic-related papers and documents held in the Bremen Chamber of Commerce Archive are of both regional and national importance. The Archive can be traced back to the 15th century, and documents Bremen's trade and economic history. The extensive holdings of the Archive (documents, files, drawings, pictures, photographs) are available for those persons interested, as well as for research purposes.
The Archive contains unique documents, for example The Book of Heraldry (dating back to 1400 with names, terms of office and coats-of-arms of the members of the Bremen Merchants Association, or the Chamber of Commerce) and the Ordinantie (statutes implemented since 1451, as well as the legal foundations of the Bremen Merchants Association).
The Bremen Chamber of Commerce Archive can also be considered as a unique institution, as it is here that passenger lists of ships from the period 1920 to 1939 are to be found. The names of all persons who emigrated via Bremen/Bremerhaven to the United States, Canada and South America during this time are recorded here.
An Archive project titled "Die Maus" [The Mouse], undertaken in cooperation with the Gesellschaft für Familienforschung e.V. [Society for Family Research] has processed this important genealogical data contained in some 3,000 passenger lists, and made available on the Internet for purposes of research.
Listed below is the range of services we provide:
  • Advice relating to the current Archive holdings
  • Support and guidance when researching the Archive holdings
  • Provision of various Archive documents, and the possibility to make copies
  • A visit to the Bremen Chamber of Commerce Archive can be arranged after an appointment is made by telephone.