An onderduiker literally means "under diver" and is somebody who went into hiding. The term was used during World War II to indicate Jews and other people who went into hiding to avoid deportation to the German concentration camps. The most famous onderduiker was Anne Frank, who went into hiding with her family in the annex of the building where her father's office was located. … [Read more...]
Was Eleanor of Aquitaine my Ancestor? Generation 5: Gerardus van den Heuvel
20 April 2018 by 4 Comments
This is the sixth post in a series about my possible line of descent from Eleanor of Aquitaine. In the first post, I explained how I discovered the possible line, and how I am going to verify it one generation at a time. In the last post, I proved that my great-grandmother Cornelia Francisca van den Heuvel was the daughter of Gerardus van den Heuvel and Maria Cornelia Bovendeert. Gerardus van den Heuvel, son of Dorothea Smulders Gerardus van den Heuvel is the most recent generation in my … [Read more...]
Quick tip – Researching Living People Needs Their Collaboration
18 April 2018 by Leave a Comment
Dutch privacy laws are strict and restrict access to records of people born less than 100 years ago. If you are searching for living people, they will be the only ones who can access their records. Their cooperation and permission is also necessary if you want them to take a DNA test for you. See the article on proving my descent from my mother for an example. … [Read more...]
Dutch DNA Testing Strategy
13 April 2018 by 16 Comments
So you're of Dutch descent and want to take a DNA test to find cousins in the Netherlands or learn more about your ancestors. How do you go about doing that? In general, Dutch people are guarded about their privacy. Many people in the Netherlands have very complete trees because of the excellent records and don't feel the need for DNA testing. As a result, DNA testing for genealogical purposes is not that common in the Netherlands, though recent marketing campaigns have started to make it … [Read more...]
Changed location for the Dutch Genealogy Meet-and-Greet at NGS on 3 May 2018
11 April 2018 by Leave a Comment
The National Genealogical Society Family History Conference will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 2-5 May 2018. Several presenters including myself will be giving talks about Dutch Genealogy (see the full program). I have already heard from several blog and newsletter readers who plan on coming and can't wait to meet you there. To be able to meet as many of you as I can and to give you a chance to meet each other, I am inviting all Dutch Genealogy readers to come to a meet-and-greet on … [Read more...]
Dutch term – Turfdrager
9 April 2018 by 1 Comment
A turfdrager was a peat carrier. Peat was an important fuel, both for private homes and for businesses like breweries and bakeries. An abstract of the instructions for the peat carriers in Leeuwarden from 1660 gives an impression of the regulations that a peat carrier was expected to live by. Articles that regulate the peat carriers of this city Nobody will be admitted as peat carrier without the consent and approbation of the magistrate of the city. Peat carriers are required … [Read more...]
Dutch Genealogy Meet-and-Greet and Dinner at NGS in Grand Rapids on May 3rd
6 April 2018 by 1 Comment
The National Genealogical Society Family History Conference will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 2-5 May 2018. Several presenters including myself will be giving talks about Dutch Genealogy (see the full program). I have already heard from several blog and newsletter readers who plan on coming and can't wait to meet you there. EDIT: The location for the Dutch Genealogy Meet-and-Greet has been changed to the lobby of the Amway Grand Hotel. Dutch Genealogy Meet-and-Greet To be able to … [Read more...]
Dutch Genealogy News for March 2018
6 April 2018 by 2 Comments
Here is an overview of the new sources, projects, and news about archives that were announced last month. Online records Many civil registration records from the Dutch East Indies have been published by FamilySearch and can be accessed via the Catalog and place name. Access to these scans is limited to Family History Centers, where they can be viewed on internet computers. [Source: Indische Genealogische Vereniging] Population registers (1820-1850) and World War I refugee registers … [Read more...]
Dutch term – Heemkunde
2 April 2018 by Leave a Comment
"Heemkunde" is the study of the home environment. The word "heem" means home or place of origin. "Kunde" is study or science. Many towns or regions have their own heemkundevereniging, historical societies. They will often give lectures, organize excursions, or have a magazine dedicated to the history of the area. Some heemkundeverenigingen have a genealogy section. They are great places to ask to identify or locate old family photos. The Stamboomgids website has a list of … [Read more...]
Dutch term – Vrijdag
30 March 2018 by Leave a Comment
Vrijdag is the Dutch term for Friday. Goede Vrijdag is Good Friday. … [Read more...]
