We are visiting lower manhattan in November to learn more about ancestors who immigrated to the US about 1630. We know they came from Nardeen in the Netherlands but we don’t know what life was like when they got to America. If anyone knows of a good guide on this historical era we’d love to hear from you.
Debra B (Chicago)
“ We know they came from Nardeen in the Netherlands”
Just in case you want to look up records of your ancestors; the correct spelling is Naarden, not Nardeen.
And in case you ever make it to the Netherlands; Naarden is one of the most beautiful historical fortified cities in our country. It’s well worth a visit, even if you don’t have ancestors coming from there.
Thank you so much! My apologies for misspelling. I should have known. In fact we have been to Naarden. We visited on our Rick Steves trip to Belgium and the Netherlands two years ago. We confirmed my husband’s great+ grandparents were married in the beautiful downtown church about 1625 before they immigrated to US. We want to come back to stay longer. Looking forward to seeing the church ceiling restored on our next visit.
Debra
If you hope to hear the Netherlands Bach Ensemble in the Grote Kerk in Naarden (Easter season), be sure to buy your tickets six or more months in advance.
Can’t make it 2027 but hopefully 2028.
You might look into the Tenement Museum. It’s a great museum and they have walking tours too. They might be able to refer you to a a private guide for your topic. https://www.tenement.org/
Some of my ancestors came there at the same time from the Netherlands, and I found some info about them at what was then called the New-York Historical Society, now called The New York Historical. One of their programs is the New Amsterdam Project, run by Russell Shorto, who has written several books about Amsterdam and New Amsterdam. I'd strongly recommend The Island at the Center of the World. I don't know of any guides or tours focusing on that period, though I expect there might be a market for them (beyond you and me). I did find some ancestors, and many other Dutch names, in the cemeteries of Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel in lower Manhattan.
A recent book that I want to read is Newcomers, by Alan Mikhail, which tells the unlikely story of a couple who immigrated to New Amsterdam in the 17th century. It's been well reviewed and might be worth your interest, though I think it covers years past the 1630s.
The Tenement Museum is excellent, and offers good walking tours, but its focus is about 250+ years after our Dutch forebears. Very few traces of them remain in today's throbbing heart of Gotham! Good luck finding them!
