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

Unlike pinup star Betty Grable, June Allyson built a lasting career with over 100 roles, performing actively into her late 80s.

Jay Van Andel and Richard DeVos co-founded Amway, a network sales company distributing household products through multi-level dealer recruitment and sales.

C. Carl Pegels was a Dutch-born American academic and writer focused on Dutch American heritage

Theodorus Bailey served as U.S. Representative, briefly U.S. Senator, and New York City Postmaster for 24 years, and rose to Brigadier General after Revolutionary War service and militia leadership service.

Theodorus Bailey joined the U.S. Navy at 13, rose to Rear Admiral, captured New Orleans in 1862, served 48 years, and was later honored with three Navy ships named for him.

Herman Baker founded Baker Book House in 1939 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, later Baker Publishing Group, which expanded from religious bookselling into seven divisions publishing religious, academic, and general-interest titles.

Erik Barnouw, Dutch-born American media historian, helped launch University Players, led wartime radio education, taught at Columbia, headed the Library of Congress media division, and authored landmark broadcasting histories works.

James Van Der Beek is an American actor best known as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, which launched his career, later including film roles and a self-parody on Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.

Martin Bekins founded Bekins Van Lines in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1891, leading its early growth as chief executive into a major North American and international moving company today worldwide.

Lodewijk van den Berg was a Dutch-American payload specialist who flew aboard Spacelab-3 in 1985, spending 168 hours in space, selected as a scientist turned astronaut for efficiency by NASA.

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.