Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

Schuyler Colfax rose from poverty to become a newspaper editor, U.S. congressman, and Speaker of the House. A strong opponent of slavery, he later served as vice president of the United States under Ulysses S. Grant.

Aaron Van Schaick Cochrane was a New York lawyer, judge, and congressman. A Yale graduate, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives before becoming a justice of the New York Supreme Court and later presiding justice of its Appellate Division.

DeWitt Clinton was a prominent New York statesman who served as mayor of New York City, U.S. senator, and governor of New York. He is best remembered as the driving force behind the construction of the Erie Canal.

Montgomery Clift was an American stage and film actor known for intense, emotionally complex performances. He earned multiple Academy Award nominations for films including The Search, A Place in the Sun, and From Here to Eternity.

Lee Van Cleef was an American actor best known for portraying villains in Western films. After World War II service, he began acting on stage and gained fame in films such as High Noon and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Angelica Schuyler Church was the daughter of Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler and sister-in-law of Alexander Hamilton. Known for her intelligence and social influence, she moved in prominent political circles in America and Europe.

Chevy Chase is an American comedian, actor, and writer known for his work on Saturday Night Live and in films such as Caddyshack, Fletch, and the National Lampoon’s Vacation series. His ancestry traces to early Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam.

Gilbert Van Camp, Sr. was an American food entrepreneur who pioneered canned vegetables and popularized canned pork and beans during the Civil War era. His innovations led to the Van Camp brand, later connected to Stokely-Van Camp and Chicken of the Sea.

Thomas Edison was an entrepreneurial inventor who transformed existing ideas into practical, commercially successful products. Holding 1,093 U.S. patents, he pioneered team-based innovation and achieved extraordinary success despite having only three months of formal education.

Steve Van Buren was a Hall of Fame running back for the Philadelphia Eagles and one of the NFL’s early rushing stars. He led the league in rushing four times and helped the Eagles win two championships.

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.