Nationaal Onderduikmuseum

In the heart of Aalten, a quaint town in the Netherlands, lies a museum that encapsulates the poignant stories of courage and resilience during one of history's darkest periods. The Nationaal Onderduikmuseum, formerly known as Markt 12 - Euregionaal Museum voor de Vrijheid, is a unique institution dedicated to the harrowing yet inspiring tales of those who went into hiding during the Second World War.

The History and Mission of the Nationaal Onderduikmuseum

The Nationaal Onderduikmuseum stands as a testament to the everyday lives and extraordinary choices faced by individuals during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Aalten, a small town, played a significant role in this period by providing shelter to a relatively large number of people in hiding. The museum's mission transcends mere historical recounting; it aims to provoke reflection on issues such as racism, fascism, and discrimination, drawing parallels between past and present to foster a better understanding among visitors of all ages.

Given its location near the German border, the museum also seeks to bridge historical divides between Dutch and German communities. Through bilingual presentations and educational programs, it encourages dialogue and understanding, particularly among young students from both countries. The museum's collection includes an array of artifacts such as an illegal printing press, hiding places, bomb shelters, weapons, personal documents, uniforms, propaganda material, and photographs, all of which paint a vivid picture of life during the occupation.

A Peek into the Museum's Collection

As you step into the museum, housed in a former residence and national monument, you are transported back to the 1940s. The building has been meticulously restored to reflect its wartime state. The house was once home to the Kempink family, who lived there with their two young children. Remarkably, the attic still contains the hiding place where eight individuals sought refuge. Adding to the irony of the situation, the German Ortskommandant had his office in the front room of the same house, while the vaulted cellar served as a bomb shelter for the entire neighborhood.

The museum's exhibits are designed to be immersive and thought-provoking. One of the highlights is the illegal printing press used to produce underground newspapers and resistance literature. The secretive nature of this operation and the risks involved are palpable as you explore this section of the museum. Another compelling exhibit is the hiding place itself, a small, cramped attic space that offers a sobering glimpse into the lives of those who lived in constant fear of discovery.

Educational Initiatives and Interactive Experiences

Education is at the core of the Nationaal Onderduikmuseum's mission. The museum offers a variety of educational programs tailored to different age groups. For schoolchildren, there are scavenger hunts and interactive lessons that make history come alive. The museum also provides lesson packages for teachers to use in their classrooms, ensuring that the stories of the past continue to educate future generations.

One of the most innovative additions to the museum is its escape room, opened in May 2017. This interactive experience allows participants to feel the tension and urgency faced by those in hiding. Participants must work together to solve puzzles and decipher codes to escape within an hour, mirroring the high-stakes decisions that had to be made during the war. This unique approach to education makes the history of the resistance and the plight of refugees more tangible, especially for younger visitors.

Temporary Exhibitions and Special Events

The Nationaal Onderduikmuseum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that delve deeper into specific themes related to its core mission. These exhibitions often feature personal stories and testimonies, providing a human face to the historical events. The museum also organizes special events, such as lectures, film screenings, and commemorations, which offer additional opportunities for learning and reflection.

Organization and Community Involvement

The museum operates under the umbrella of the Vereniging Aaltense Musea, a nonprofit organization with cultural ANBI status. Its operations are overseen by a board of volunteers, with day-to-day management delegated to a part-time director. The museum also employs a small staff for cleaning, administration, and secretarial duties, and relies heavily on the dedication of approximately 130 volunteers who contribute to various aspects of its functioning.

Community involvement is a cornerstone of the museum's success. Local schools, cultural institutions, and historical organizations collaborate with the museum to enhance its programs and reach. The museum also maintains strong ties with the Anne Frank Stichting in Amsterdam and the Anne Frank Zentrum in Berlin, furthering its mission of education and remembrance on an international scale.

In conclusion, the Nationaal Onderduikmuseum in Aalten is more than just a museum; it is a beacon of memory and education. Its exhibits, educational programs, and community initiatives ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten, and its mission to combat prejudice and promote understanding remains as relevant as ever. A visit to this museum is not only a journey through history but also an invitation to reflect on the values of courage, resilience, and humanity.