Saturday 4 oktober

Making 17th-century letters during Science Weekend

Especially for children aged 8 and above, the Huygens Institute is organising an activity called ‘Making 17th-century letters’ during Science Weekend (Weekend van de Wetenschap). Secretly, of course, this is also great fun for parents and carers.

The workshop lasts approximately 30 minutes and will be offered three times in the beautiful Trippenhuis. The letters will be sealed with wax and can actually be sent afterwards. Participation is free of charge. Registration is not required.

17th-century letters?

Nowadays, we are in direct contact with each other via smartphones and computers. 400 years ago, these did not exist. People wrote letters to each other on paper. Envelopes did not exist either. So the letters were artfully folded and sealed with wax.

Letters in secret code

Johan de Witt, one of the most famous politicians in Dutch history, wrote countless letters. As many as 25,000 letters have been preserved. Some of the letters were written in secret code!

Detail of a letter written by Johan de Witt.

In this workshop, we will show you a few letters in secret code and then get to work ourselves.

Workshops on making 17th-century letters at the Trippenhuis

For children aged 8 and above, also fun for young people, parents and carers. Times: 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 hrs.
The Trippenhuis
Kloveniersburgwal 29
1011 JV Amsterdam

More information

Visit the website of Weekend van de Wetenschap.

Photo: Joris Visser.