The Heritage Collections of Flevoland at Museum Batavialand are a treasure trove of cultural-historical value. With more than 1800 objects, 180 models, 375 meters of paper archives and a collection of images, sound and text, this collection tells the unique story of the birth and growth of Flevoland. From the pre-history of the Zuiderzee project to life on the edge of land and water through the centuries, this collection is the memory of Flevoland.
The collection consists of historical objects from the former Nieuw Land Polder Museum, the Social Historical Center for Flevoland, the Nieuw Land Heritage Center and the former Batavia Yard. These include nineteenth-century plans for reclamation, archives of supporters and opponents of the Zuiderzee project, and historical maps of flood disasters. In addition, the collection contains ship models, films such as The Dream of Lely, and hundreds of interviews and stories that make this history personal.
Other special items include works of art by H.J. Rotgans and P. Dorleijn, and an aircraft engine from a World War II B-24 Liberator. The maritime collection, with ship models, furniture and the reconstruction of the Batavia, adds an impressive nautical dimension.
Although much of the collection is in the depot, more and more is being digitized and made available through platforms such as CollectieNederland.nl and Zuiderzeecollectie.nl. Museum Batavialand is continuously working on the visibility and accessibility of these valuable heritage items.
Although objects from the Museaal Depot are not currently fully accessible through an online public catalog, digitized photographs and library publications can be found on platforms such as CollectieNederland.nl and Zuiderzeecollectie.nl. These digital gateways still make much of the heritage accessible to a wide audience.
For questions and requests about the Museum Depot contact curator Kim Mulder: kim.mulder@batavialand.nl
Discover centuries-old shipwrecks and uncover the story of how the Zuiderzee was transformed into new land. Step aboard the Batavia, explore its decks, witness the craftsmanship of traditional wooden shipbuilding, and immerse yourself in its many stories.
