IJmuiden celebrates 150th anniversary with time capsule and fort visit

The municipality of Velsen is marking the 150th anniversary of IJmuiden with several commemorative events. On November 1, local youth from Tender College and Vellesan College will bury a time capsule at Plein 1945. Created by students and coaches from the Tata Steel Academy, the capsule contains stories, objects, and messages from 2026 intended for residents in the year 2076.

In addition to the youth contributions, the capsule will include messages from Mayor Frank Dales and items from Welzijn Velsen and the Tata Steel Academy. Before being buried, the contents will be on display at the IJmuider Zee- en Havenmuseum from October 9 to October 25.

As part of the celebrations, Forteiland IJmuiden will hold its final open day of 2026 on November 1. Visitors can take boat trips from the harbor via the MS Koningin Emma to explore the four-hectare island, which features historical traces of 150 years of use, including German bunkers from the 1940-1945 period.