Koen Marijt lecture

On April 26, historian Koen Marijt gave a particularly well-attended lecture at the Zandvoorts Museum on “Zandvoort 200 years as a seaside resort.” Interest was so great that the lecture was completely sold out. Both Zandvoort locals and interested parties from the region gathered to hear more about the fascinating history of the coastal town’s origins.

Marijt took the audience through his extensive research, which he conducted in collaboration with a team of local specialists. In an engaging and accessible manner, he outlined how Zandvoort developed from a poor fishing village into a beloved seaside resort for the elite. A major turning point proved to be the year 1826, when the construction of the Straatweg from Heemstede to Zandvoort and the building of the Groot Badhuis laid the foundation for seaside tourism.

The lecture offered not only historical facts but also surprising insights into the choices and ambitions of the initiators. Their vision and courage ensured that Zandvoort could develop into the seaside resort we know today.

Exhibition

Afterwards, interim director Fokelien Renckens-Stenneberg expressed her appreciation and thanked Marijt for his inspiring story. Visitors were then invited to view the exhibition The Road to Zandvoort – 200 Years of Seaside Resort, where original documents and objects from this special period are on display.

Book signing

The afternoon concluded festively with a signing session, during which Marijt signed his book about 200 years of the seaside resort. The book is available exclusively in the museum shop.

For those who were unable to secure a ticket, there is good news: an additional lecture by Koen Marijt will follow soon.