Netherlands heritage institutions observe Month of History

Heritage institutions across the Netherlands, including CODA in Apeldoorn and various sites in Friesland, are observing the ‘Month of History’ throughout October. This year’s theme is ‘Body and Mind,’ focusing on historical perspectives of physical and mental well-being.

In Apeldoorn, CODA is hosting activities such as storytelling sessions regarding former sanatoriums and mental health for women across generations. Other events include a workshop on the history of the Jewish psychiatric institution at the Apeldoornsche Bosch and a lecture by Suzanna Jansen regarding ‘Project RUST,’ which examines rest houses for overstressed mothers in the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, Professor Alette Smeulers will lecture on the psychology and sociology of perpetrators.

In Friesland, programming includes tours of the Elim colony house on Schiermonnikoog, which hosted children for health improvement between 1922 and 1972. Museum Opsterlân is hosting an exhibition on the lives of Frisian maidservants, while the Blokhuispoort in Leeuwarden features an exhibition on the history and resilience of prisoners. Suzanna Jansen will also deliver a lecture in Lemmer regarding her research into historical rest houses.