Local Lore & Legends
The Dutch, I Presume
The Dutch, I Presume is a delightful book containing more than 600 unforgettable images from renowned photographer Jurjen Drenth. The accompanying text, written by Martijn de Rooi, examines both the facts and myths about Dutch culture, from wooden clogs and windmills to football legend Johann Cruijff and our iconic canals.
Marian Strijker, Program Director
Queen Wilhelmina
Queen Wilhelmina, who ruled from 1890 to 1948, holds an important place in the Dutch psyche. She is remembered most fondly for her actions during World War II, when she was forced to rule in exile after the German invasion. The queen took to the radio waves, like British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, to broadcast daily messages of support for her people, and her photograph became synonymous with Nazi resistance.
Marian Strijker, Program Director
Le Coq Gaulois
Le Coq Gaulois (Gallic Rooster) is a national emblem of France. The idea dates to the earliest days of France (once known as Gaul) because of the similarity of the Latin words for inhabitant of Gaul (Gallus) and rooster (gallicus). Seen as a symbol of vigilance, the cockerel appeared on flags during the French Revolution but fell out of favor under Napoleon, who saw it as too weak to “stand as the image of an empire such as France.” The rooster was replaced by the fleur-de-lis as the national emblem in 1830 but has since returned to favor, appearing on the official seal of the French Republic, as well as coins and stamps.
Audrey Riehm, Program Director
Mary of Burgundy
A major figure in Belgian history is Mary of Burgundy, whose marriage to Maximilian I of Austria in 1477 brought the Low Countries into the Habsburg sphere. Earlier, she had rejected the hand of Louis XI of France, so her choice brought a French-Austrian rivalry to the land. In 1482, at just 25 years old, she died in a horseback riding accident and was buried in Bruges. Maximilian and Louis agreed to two separate treaties in 1484 and 1493, which reestablished peace in the Low Countries.
Karla Vanhulle, Program Director
