Holten Canadian Cemetery Information Center
This information center keeps alive the memories of war, liberation and, in particular, the 1,394 soldiers who rested here and gave their lives for our freedom. Lest we forgetso that we don't forget. With that motto, the information center was established in 2008. For students, relatives and visitors to the cemetery.
What we do
Every year, we welcome tens of thousands of international visitors for information about the cemetery, tours, commemorations and educational programs. Schools, families, relatives and even casual passers-by find a place here to reflect on the sacrifices and life stories of many Canadian soldiers. This information center brings history up close with exhibits, images and stories hidden behind 1,394 graves and keeps memories alive.
Why this place hits
The Canadian Cemetery and Information Center remind us that our freedom has been fought. For the relatives of fallen soldiers, it is a connection to their family history. For young people in the Netherlands, it's a lesson they don't learn from books. For visitors, it is an insight into the life of the soldier behind the tombstone in the cemetery. By saving and sharing stories, we emphasize that freedom is not a matter of course and is a very great asset.
Governance
The board represents the foundation, manages the organization and is authorized to make decisions. The board meets every month and consists of:
- Henk Robben, chairman
- Albert Boode, secretary
- Ben Beens, Treasurer
- Hedwig Dikkers
- Henk Vincent
- Jan Aanstoot
- Bas Sjoerts
- Esther Rose
Advisory Board
The advisory board consists of initiators of the information center and former directors. The advisory board advises the foundation's board, attends a board meeting twice a year, and is still voluntarily involved in the information center. This consists of:
- Albert van de Maat
- Gerrit Huisman
- Gerrit Vlogtman
- Herman Biesters
- Leo Thiele
Commissions
Committees have a specific area of work. Each committee functions independently and is accountable to the board. Our volunteers are active in the following committees:
- Facility Committee
- Financial committee
- Personnel committee
- PR committee
- Research committee
- Sponsorship Committee
From a club of friends to a meaningful foundation
In the 1980s, a group of friends of nine Holteners ended the week every Saturday afternoon. With a drink and a shared moment of reflection. The 'Valves' wanted to relax and give back to their environment.
In 2006, the idea of an information center near the Canadian Cemetery was born, which plays an important role in the Holtense and international community. Thanks to the knowledge and inspiration of Gert Jan van't Holt, the plans have been developed.
In 2008, the Holten Canadian Cemetery Information Center Foundation was established. The Valves, supplemented with 'Aansluiter' Ben Beens, formed the first board.
On September 2, 2011, Princess Margriet and Prof. Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven officially opened the information center — a milestone for Holten. Valves Gerrit Oolbekkink († 2007) and Gert Jan van't Holt († 2014) are forever remembered.
Our Foundation
This information center is run by more than 120 enthusiastic volunteers. Affiliated to the Holten Canadian Cemetery Information Center Foundation, a non-profit organization with ANBI status. Volunteers receive visitors almost every day, provide tours, conduct research, collect stories and support with activities.
The board of the foundation, Province of Overijssel, Municipality of Rijssen-Holten and various funds work together to maintain and develop the information center. Thanks to their involvement, this is a hospitable and educational place for many days.
Inextricably linked: the cemetery and the information center
The Canadian Cemetery and the Information Center in Holten are two separate organizations, but closely linked. The cemetery is owned and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This organization is responsible for Commonwealth war graves worldwide. ”This looks like Canada”, so thought a general who drove across the Sallandse Heuvelrug in search of an eternal resting place for the dead soldiers. ”This is the place for our boys.”
View the map from the cemetery.
Immediately after the liberation of the Netherlands, the cemetery in Holten was built. The information center was only added in 2011. A place where the thought of fallen soldiers is kept alive with life stories, images and exhibitions. A visit to the information center is a valuable addition to a walk across the field of honor.
Practical information
The cemetery is freely accessible to visitors throughout the year. There are no entry fees or fixed opening hours. The site is wheelchair-accessible and has clear walking trails.
The information center is located next to the Canadian Cemetery at Eekhoornweg 10 in Holten. The information center's current opening hours, directions and contact details can be found on the visit page of this website.
Send a question or comment to e-mail info@canadesebegraafplaatsholten.nl.