Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

Piet Mondrian (1872–1944) was a Dutch modernist painter and co-founder of De Stijl. After fleeing war-torn Europe, he spent his final years in New York, where he created some of his most celebrated abstract works.

Peter Minuit (c.1580–1638), a Walloon-born merchant and diamond cutter, served as Director-General of New Netherland from 1626 to 1631. He is best known for purchasing Manhattan from the Lenape for 60 guilders. Later, he helped establish the Swedish colony of New Sweden.

Cornelius Jacobsen Mey (fl. early 1600s) was the first director of New Netherland in 1624, appointed by the Dutch West India Company. A seasoned explorer and trader, he led early Hudson and Delaware expeditions. Cape May, New Jersey, was named in his honor.

Herman Melville (1819–1891) was an American novelist and sailor best known for Moby-Dick (1851). Drawing on his seafaring experiences, he wrote influential maritime fiction that later secured his reputation as a major figure in American literature.

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Mark Meijer is an American businessman and president of the Meijer supercenter retail chain. The grandson of founder Hendrik Meijer, he joined his brothers in managing the family company while also developing a major regional emergency medical services business.

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Frederik “Fred” Meijer (1919–2011) was an American retail executive who expanded the Meijer family grocery business into a major Midwestern supercenter chain. He pioneered the supercenter retail concept and later supported cultural and educational philanthropy in Michigan.

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Hank Meijer is an American businessman and author who serves as co-chairman of the Meijer supercenter retail chain. Grandson of founder Hendrik Meijer, he helped lead the family company’s expansion while also writing historical biographies.

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Hendrik Meijer (1883–1964) was a Dutch American entrepreneur who founded the Meijer grocery business in Michigan in 1934. His company pioneered the American supercenter retail concept and later expanded into a major Midwestern retail chain.

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Doug Meijer is an American businessman and co-chairman of the Meijer retail chain. The grandson of founder Hendrik Meijer, he helped lead the family-owned supercenter company’s expansion across the Midwest alongside his brothers.

Leighton Meester (born 1986) is an American actress and singer best known for playing Blair Waldorf on the television series Gossip Girl (2007–2012). She has also appeared in films including Country Strong, Monte Carlo, and The Roommate.

Frederick Manfred (1912–1994), born Frederick Feikes Feikema VII, was a regional American novelist of Dutch Frisian heritage who wrote about the northern Plains. Over four decades he published about forty books, including the acclaimed frontier novel Lord Grizzly.

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Willem Jacob Luyten (1899–1994) was a Dutch American astronomer at the University of Minnesota who became the leading authority on stellar proper motion, cataloging over 200,000 stars and discovering many nearby stars including the well-known Luyten’s Star.

About New Netherland Institute

For over three decades, NNI has helped cast light on America's Dutch roots. In 2010, it partnered with the New York State Office of Cultural Education to establish the New Netherland Research Center, with matching funds from the State of the Netherlands. NNI is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

About New Netherland Institute

For over three decades, NNI has helped cast light on America's Dutch roots. In 2010, it partnered with the New York State Office of Cultural Education to establish the New Netherland Research Center, with matching funds from the State of the Netherlands. NNI is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.