How WWII Memories Shaped Dutch Immigrants at Nights at the Museum
The Dutch American Heritage Museum (DAHM) will welcome historian and author Dr. Richard Reitsma to present a public talk examining how memories of Nazi occupation shaped the lives of Dutch immigrants who came to North America after World War II on Tuesday, August 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The presentation builds on his participation in the 24th Biennial Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Dutch-American Studies (AADAS), held in 2025.
In his upcoming talk, Reitsma will reflect on insights from the AADAS conference and explore how wartime memories created a persistent but often unspoken “background noise” in immigrant households. He notes that the first generation rarely discussed their experiences—an idea central to his historical novel Forgetfulness.
Reitsma’s interest in Dutch history began during his studies at Calvin College and later led him and his wife Margie to spend nearly a decade living in the Netherlands, where he completed a PhD on the province of Overijssel. His career also includes serving as Library Director at Northwestern College in Orange City.
Now retired in Rock Rapids, Reitsma continues to research and write about Dutch history and immigration. The presentation is part of the museum’s popular Nights at the Museum series, which highlights regional history, Dutch immigration, and Sioux County storytelling. Additional upcoming programs include:
Sept. 29 — Bruce Mouw: “Taking Down John Gotti and the Gambino Crime Family” (Special Location will be in the Vogel Room at Northwestern College)
Oct. 20 — Ann Minnick: “Privy to the Past: What outhouse pits reveal about health, beauty and the ads that sold them.”
The event is free and open to the public and will be held at the museum, 120 Third St. SW. Doors open at 6 p.m., and seating is limited.
