The museum landscape of the Deilbach valley comprises an interesting natural space with numerous geological outcrops and a fascinating range or pre and early industrial monuments that tell the history of metalworking and the early development of mining. Combining natural and cultural history, the collection embodies a model of industrialisation that developed over a course of several centuries from what was initially an agricultural economy.

As a result of the particular natural conditions, commercial trade in the Deilbach valley dates back to the 16th century. The open seams on the hillsides allowed coal mining from an early date. Mineral ore, sandstone and clay shale were the raw materials for other branches of commerce. Extensive forests provided wood for charcoal production, which was required for metal smelting and processing.

The waters of the Deilbach served to drive hammers and mills. The favourable communications in the valley, its connection to the Rhine when the Ruhr became navigable in 1770 and the link to the early industrial area around Wuppertal as a result of construction of the Prinz Wilhelm railway in 1830/31 extended the markets for commercial businesses. (Deilbachhammer, Kupferhammer, Deilmanns Farm, Deilmanns Mill)