At the crossroads of past and present
Joost Zuidgeest’s farm is located on the centuries-old Kethelweg, the connection between Vlaardinger Ambacht and the village of Kethel.
The village farm with its stable of yellow IJssel stones and red-blue Dutch roof tiles dates from 1885. Where the cows of farmer Zuidgeest used to be behind the semi-oval iron stable windows, the Jan Anderson Regional Museum is now located.
It is a special museum with a rich collection. In addition to the attractive ‘street’ with old crafts and shops, there are many collections. From old books and prints to medals and tokens, from archaeological objects to products of post-war designers: all objects in the museum harmonize in a connection between the present and the past.
“Hundreds of groups have visited the museum, celebrated or held meetings. Often there were special guests and meetings.
In 1987, for example, we had a visit from the English pilot Norman Savill (far left in the photo) who spent a year in the hospital at Hofsingel during the war. Next to him is Kea Bouman who was nursing him at the time. “
To keep is to look ahead
The year is 1954. Few people see the use or pleasure of collecting. Not like Jan Anderson. He begins to collect all kinds of objects, including books and prints. Thanks to the efforts of ‘De Ronde Tafel van Vlaardingen’ (a service club), his steadily expanding collection found a home in the Jan Anderson Regional Museum in 1976 and the Jan Anderson Collections Foundation was founded.
Saving is not just looking back, it is also looking ahead. When things are still self-evident, it is difficult to appreciate them. Later as times have changed, everyday objects become special sources of information. Thanks to Jan Anderson’s historical awareness, a wealth of material has been preserved that can be seen and experienced for young and old.
Exhibitions
The ‘street’ is our permanent position in the old stable. But that’s not all! The Regional Museum has 150 collections. From this we put together at least four exhibitions every year.
Toys, the Occupation Period, Cans, Advertising gadgets, Children’s songs, these are just a few examples of the many exhibitions we have created over the decades.
We lend a lot to other institutions. Pieces from our collection show up in all kinds of exhibitions across the country, and even beyond.
