Background of the ‘Achterhoeks Museum 1940-1945’

It was probably somewhere in 1975, that I found two helmets on the addict of our home. From my grandfather I learned that it was one Dutch and one English helmet from World War II. After asking me if I was interested in these war items, he received a solid reply.

During the time following, my grandfather showed me each time a new item. In the neighbourhood and at other relatives was also requested for new items, which resulted in a small assortment of items.
After the bedroom, the addict was prepared for placing the collection and it instantly became a mini museum. All family members and relatives had to come up to the addict to see the collection.
This resulted in gathering more items. Together with father Kreunen, a shed was placed behind the bakery in 1985.

From this location the First real exposition was prepared. In collaboration with the district archives and the Municipality of Hengelo (Gld.) an exhibition was arranged in two halls at sports hall De Kamp. This exhibition was set up for ten days and was very well visited.

In 1987, I organised my first open door afternoons. In the regional press three consecutive open door afternoons were announced. The result was fortifying, each day there were between 50 and 150 visitors. The ‘museum’ became gradually widely known in the region.

An excellent exhibition was also held in the village centre of Vorden.