Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

Biographies

Uncover the life stories of historical figures, innovators, and influential individuals from around the globe. Explore their achievements, struggles, and the legacy they’ve left behind.
Total 364 Contents

Steve Van Andel, son of Amway co-founder Jay Van Andel, helps lead the global network sales company distributing household and personal products.

Colonel John Astor, Titanic victim and hotel magnate, co-founded New York’s Waldorf Astoria and died tragically during his 1912 honeymoon.

Daniel Myers Van Auken, a Pennsylvania lawyer and Democrat, served two terms in Congress from 1867 to 1871 representing Pike County.

James Van Alen, founder of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, was also a poet, publisher, civic leader, and champion tennis player with deep knowledge of the game.

James Henry Van Alen, a wealthy New Yorker, financed and equipped the Third New York Cavalry, earning appointment as colonel while the unit defended Washington in 1861.

James John Van Alen, heir to Civil War officer James Henry Van Alen, funded Cleveland’s campaign but twice declined ambassadorships to Italy and Great Britain.

William Van Alen, a respected New York architect, worked on the Hotel Astor and studied in Paris after winning the 1908 Paris Prize, later designing the iconic Chrysler Building.

James Isaac Van Alen, baptized Jacobus, was a New York congressman and half-brother of President Martin Van Buren, born 1772.

George Allen was a successful NFL coach who turned two struggling teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, into winners. He was named Coach of the Year in 1967 before being dismissed.

James Van Allen, American physicist and space scientist, discovered Earth's radiation belts — named the Van Allen Belts — through experiments on early satellites, launching modern space science.

WHAT WAS NEW NETHERLAND?


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.