Schloss Schönebeck stands in the valley of the Schönebeck Aue in north Bremen. It is the only surviving aristocratic residence in Bremen, a magnificent half-timbered building dating from the 17th century. The Vegesack region's local history and museum society, which was founded in 1911, displays its extensive collections in the house. The exhibits illustrate Vegesack's shipbuilding history, whaling, herring fishing and a comprehensive collection about the life and work of Gerhard Rohlfs, an explorer in Africa.