Water Stories by The Dutch Historian

From its centuries-old past, the Water Board possesses much water heritage. In the landscape, the polder mills, old pumping stations and dikes naturally catch the eye immediately. HHNK finds it important that stories from the past remain alive. Therefore the gentlemen of The Dutch Historian have been invited to give a historical lecture. They will tell about the reclamation of the Wieringermeer and the invasion of 1799. The lecture will take place on December 11 at the headquarters of HHNK.  

The Dutch Historian 

The Dutch Historian is the initiative of Axel Stam and Lars Boon. With this platform, they make history engaging and understandable. They do this with a popular Instagram account and a podcast. Through social media and other channels The Dutch Historian reaches a wide audience and enthuses them about the past. 

The invasion of 1799, print by C. Brouwer

The invasion of 1799 

British and Russians landed on the North Holland coast with the goal of overthrowing the Batavian Republic. Many residents in the area had to deal with English, Russian or Batavian soldiers in their homes as a result. And 17th-century polders also flooded with water. Today very little is known about it, while all sorts of references can still be found. Consider, for example, the Russian monument in Bergen. Water played a crucial role in the battle. 

Holes in the dike after the 1945 inundation in the Wieringermeerpolder

The double reclamation of the Wieringermeerpolder 

Drained in 1930, but flooded again during World War II. How did it come to this, and what personal stories lie behind it? Where did people from the Wieringermeer flee to, how did they get the water out again, and what can still be seen of this disaster today?

Axel Stam and Lars Boon of The Dutch Historian

In addition, Axel and Lars share historical facts about the region and the water board, which previously appeared on their Instagram account The Dutch Historian. Expect an evening full of surprising insights, unusual objects, humor and historical depth.  

The stories on this evening bring into focus the strength and vulnerability of our dikes. Because the question remains: how do we maintain our dikes in an area that is largely below sea level? Especially in the autumn we are extra alert to high water, heavy rainfall and storms that can cause nuisance or risks. Employees and equipment are on standby day and night. This interactive lecture therefore fits perfectly with the public campaign: Ready for water! 

Practical information 

  • Date: December 11, 2025 

  • Location: Stationsplein 136, 1703 WC Heerhugowaard 

  • Time 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (walk-in from 6:30 p.m.)  

The lecture is fully booked. Registration is no longer possible.