Zondag 9 November 2025
Ancestors’ Day 2025: Family History and the Impact of World War II
On Sunday, 9 November, the National Prison Museum in Veenhuizen, Drenthe, will host its annual Ancestors’ Day (Voorouderdag). This event is being organised by the museum in collaboration with the ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre and War in Court. Lotte Belice Baltussen of the Huygens Institute will talk about digital searches in the Central Archive for Special Criminal Justice (CABR). This archive contains files on individuals investigated for potential collaboration with the German occupiers after the Second World War.
This year’s Ancestors’ Day is dedicated to 80 years of freedom. It will examine the influence of the Second World War on subsequent generations, focusing particularly on the children and grandchildren of collaborators.
Plenary session on searching within the CABR and how to deal with sensitive information
Lotte Belice Baltussen (Huygens Institute) and Lucia Hoenselaars (ARQ) will lead this two-part session, which will include:
• Explanation of digital access to the CABR, including tips for a well-prepared visit.
• A workshop offering advice on processing sensitive information and having difficult conversations within families.
The Huygens Institute’s contribution to ‘War in Court’
Lotte Belice Baltussen is leading the user research for ‘War in Court’. She has investigated the questions and problems that people may encounter when viewing digital CABR files, as well as the information they require. Through interviews, surveys, tests, and observations of hundreds of participants in the reading room at the National Archives, she has gradually improved the digital accessibility of the CABR. The CABR now scores an average of 8.7 for user-friendliness.
About the National Prison Museum
The museum tells stories about poverty, crime and punishment, and is located in the only remaining prison of the Colonies of Benevolence (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Practical information
Sunday 9 November 2025
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (programme starts at 10.30 a.m.)
National Prison Museum
Oude Gracht 1, 9341AA Veenhuizen
Cost: adults € 14.00 including museum admission
Photo: Marije de Boer, Never Say Cheese.