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Resources for Understanding New Netherland’s Past
The Research section brings together a wide range of resources designed to deepen the study of New Netherland and its legacy. These categories highlight original records, translations, and scholarly tools that support historical, genealogical, and interdisciplinary research. From digitized seventeenth-century manuscripts to maritime studies and bibliographic guides, these resources provide essential entry points for understanding the Dutch presence in North America and its broader Atlantic context.
Essays & Talks
Over many years, the New Netherland Project and the New Netherland Research Center, working with the New Netherland Institute and its predecessor the Friends of New Netherland, have published essays and hosted talks by leading scholars. Essays include the Annals series by Dr. Charles Gehring, originally undertaken with the support of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York. Talks typically were presented at the annual meeting of the New Netherland Institute or the annual Rensselaerswijck Seminar (renamed the New Netherland Seminar in 2009).
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Peter Douglas's Totidem Verbis
Readers of the Marcurius newsletter have long enjoyed Peter Douglas's Totidem Verbis, a column about people, places and other miscellany related to the Dutch and their ventures around the world. Marcurius editor and NNRC Director Charly Gehring gave it the Latin name, displaying his inner linguist. It translates as "In So Many Words."
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Articles of Interest
This section offers bite-sized glimpses into New Netherland’s rich history through quirky anecdotes, symbols, and archival curiosities—ranging from the 1647 sighting of a “white whale” to the proposed coats of arms and early colonial flags. It features mini-entries on colorful figures like Anthony Jansen van Salee and foundational documents like the Peter Schagen letter. Each “treat” invites deeper exploration into the Dutch colonial experience via brief, engaging snapshots.
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Book Recommendations
The Reading Lists section offers curated bibliographies that guide deeper study of New Netherland and its Atlantic world. These include key works on Dutch influence in politics, law, culture, and daily life; focused studies on slavery and African American experience; scholarship on women’s roles and legal agency; and recommended titles spanning religion, Native relations, and post-1664 Dutch communities. Collectively, they provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding the Dutch contribution to early America and its enduring legacy.
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Dutch Treats
This section offers bite-sized glimpses into New Netherland’s rich history through quirky anecdotes, symbols, and archival curiosities—ranging from the 1647 sighting of a “white whale” to the proposed coats of arms and early colonial flags. It features mini-entries on colorful figures like Anthony Jansen van Salee and foundational documents like the Peter Schagen letter. Each “treat” invites deeper exploration into the Dutch colonial experience via brief, engaging snapshots.
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Digital Tour of Early New York
The New Amsterdam History Center’s Digital Walking Tour – The Mapping Early New York Project lets visitors explore 1660 Stone Street through a 3D re-creation of New Amsterdam in Google Earth, offering glimpses into homes, gardens, and taverns. Mevrouw’s Manhattan – A Walking Tour by author Bill Greer traces the remnants of Dutch-era Manhattan, guiding walkers through lower Manhattan’s streets to discover the world of Mevrouw Jackie Lambert, her tavern on Pearl Street, and the colorful characters who brought early New Amsterdam to life.
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Podcast - New Netherland Praatjes
New Netherland Praatjes is a series of chats with historians, archaeologists, and other experts on New Netherland and the world of the 17th-century Dutch. Subscribe via iTunes, or listen to individual episodes below or via iTunes. Intro music royalty free from Bensound. Image courtesy of the Altamont Enterprise
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Videos
Our Videos collection showcases documentaries, lectures, and seminar presentations that brings New Netherland history to life. Highlights include the award-winning film Uncovering America’s Forgotten Colony, talks by Dr. Charles Gehring and other leading scholars, demonstrations such as wampum making, and programs on architecture, art, law, migration, and the Black experience in Dutch New York. Together, these recordings capture the depth and diversity of scholarship on the Dutch colonial presence and its enduring legacy.
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