A successful escape from slavery
Skipper Jan Bijl was on his way from Curaçao to Middelburg in 1732 when, to his great dismay, a colored woman appeared. The enslaved could live in Zeeland as a free woman.
Zeeland Stories
The Delta works
The Delta works are large constructions protecting the country against future floods. They were introduced in the Delta plan and recorded in the Delta law. The majority was built by the 'Deltadienst.'
First World War
Many Belgians fled to Zeeland when the First World War (1914-1918) broke out. The "Marine-Korps Flandern fought not only on land, but also at sea and in the air. Zeeland was targeted as well.
1 story
The North Sea flood of 1953
On Saturday January 31st 1953, the ‘Stormwaarschuwingsdienst’ of the 'KNMI' (The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) sends a telegram to warn people for the dangerously high water levels.
The North Sea Flood: facts, numbers and links
The largest flooding of the past centuries was the North Sea flooding of 1953. 1836 people lost their lives and 72.000 people had to be evacuated from the afflicted area.
Rescue missions and emergency assistance
Official rescue missions were difficult to organize. As a consequence, fishermen from Zierikzee, Yerseke, Tholen and fishermen from Urk sailed along the farms to save people.
Treasures from the Zeeland Archives
A selection of extraordinary archival records from the archives and collections of the Zeeland Archives.
5 stories
Sjef van Dongen, Arctic hero from Aardenburg
How an average Dutch man became known as Hero of the Artic in 1928. Sjef had risked his own life to save others and gave lectures about his adventures throughout The Netherlands for years on end.
4 stories
People from Zeeland all over the world
Since the 16th century, people from Zeeland have left their marks on the world. Remarkable stories and locations include Asia, Africa and North- and South America.
1 story
Second World War
The city center of Middelburg was partially destroyed at the start of the Second World War. While other parts of Zeeland were heavily demolished in the aftermath of the liberation.
5 stories