Local heritage initiatives seek volunteers in Gasselternijveen and Blankenberge

Local communities in the Netherlands and Belgium are seeking individuals to help preserve and share regional history through various volunteer and training roles.

In Gasselternijveen, the Historisch Café is looking for a volunteer Story Collector. Working in collaboration with the Historical Association of the municipality of Gasselte and the local library, the role involves interviewing residents to record anecdotes and memories. These stories are preserved digitally on the ‘De Verhalenbrink’ website to maintain the village's historical legacy.

In Blankenberge, the local government is launching a new guide training program. The initiative seeks motivated candidates to become ambassadors for the city by learning storytelling techniques, presentation skills, and local heritage knowledge. The training is scheduled to run from November 2026 through June 2027, aiming to prepare participants to lead regular tours for visitors.