Local history (Heemkunde in Dutch) is research into one's own living environment. Local history is part of the immaterial cultural heritage and includes all sciences on a geographically local or regional level. heemkennis It often concentrates on the local community.
Research can focus on the history, geography, demography, genealogy, dialectology, toponymy, biology and ecology of a place of residence or environment.
In order to share their findings, local history associations publish a magazine or a yearbook - whether or not on the Internet -, manage a local heritage and organize activities such as lectures, theater or exhibitions.
Source: wikipedia
List of local history associations
Below you will find some links to local history associations.
Concerns villages with a link to the Billekens and the Van Oers branch of my family.
Stichting Werkgroep Oud-America
www.oudamerica.nl
Link with Van Oers Family
Heemkundekring ‘Het land van Gastel’
Heemkundekring ‘Het land van Gastel’
Link with Van Oers Family
Heemkunde Vereniging Sevenum
www.heemkundesevenum.nl
Link with Billekens Family