Dutch term – Haven

A haven is a harbor.

The Netherlands had and has some of the largest harbors in the world. They provided work for a range of occupations, both for people working at sea like fishermen and skippers, and for people working in the harbor like merchants, innkeepers and carriers.

The harbors of Rotterdam and Amsterdam were also major ports of embarkation for emigrants leaving western Europe for North America.

ships in front of a harbor

Vlissingen harbor. Credits: Atlas Schoemaker, collection Geheugen van Nederland (public domain)

About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist in the Netherlands. She holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists and has a post-graduate diploma in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee. She has been doing genealogy for over 30 years and helps people from across the world find their ancestors in the Netherlands. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

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