Nights at the Museum – Aug 2026

Dutch American Heritage Museum 120 3rd St SW, Orange City

How Dark War Memories Influenced the Lives of the Post-WWII Dutch Immigrants

Join us for a compelling evening with Dr. Richard Reitsma as he explores the hidden trauma behind the post-WWII Dutch immigration movement. Drawing from his own experiences as an immigrant child and his historical novel, FORGETFULNESS, Dr. Reitsma will delve into the suppressed memories and emotional background noise that followed Dutch families to the US and Canada after living under Nazi occupation. Discover why the older generation was so reluctant to speak about life under Hitler's dictatorship, and learn how Dr. Reitsma finally began to decode this profound silence decades later.
Tuesday, August 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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. A freewill offering is always appreciated.