Every object tells a story
Step inside the War Museum Altena and you immediately step back in time. In this special museum, the history of World War II in Altena is made tangible and personal. Every object has its own story - sometimes small, sometimes impressive, but always meaningful.
A living room full of contrasts
Upon entering, you enter an unusual living room from the 1940s. The room is divided into two parts: on the left, an average Dutch living room in occupied territory, with a portrait of Queen Wilhelmina on the wall and a secret radio on the cupboard. On the right, on the other hand, an NSB living room, complete with a drink on the table and the propaganda sheet Volk & Vaderland. "This is our dilemma room," says Peter Willem Langebeeke (27), one of the initiators. "It shows how wartime choices could be all-important."
Regional stories in every detail
In the museum you will find numerous objects that come directly from the Altena region. Peter Willem points out a special ashtray: "This was made for Fort Altena during the mobilization of 1939. Only a few examples still exist. For a collector, this is a treasure."
In addition to display cases full of uniforms, Peter Willem tells the story of a soldier from Almkerk and a field preacher from Woudrichem. "It is unique that the uniform of that preacher has been preserved," he says proudly.
Personal stories coming in
In another display case, a typewriter lies among old newspapers and personal documents. "This German typewriter was in Almkerk at the end of the war. When keying in 'Shift 5' the SS logo appeared." It makes the impact of the occupation immediately palpable.
Among the documents is also a sign of the installation of an NSB mayor in Werkendam, at which Anton Mussert - born in Werkendam - was present. "Not something we are proud of," Peter Willem acknowledges, "but part of our history."
Shelling on Altena
In another room, the eye immediately catches a large diorama of the Kapelsche Veer, surrounded by archaeological finds from the Battle of the Kapelsche Veer. "Although the battle took place across the Meuse River, Altena got the full brunt of it. During the months of November 1944 to May 1945, an estimated 180,000 shells hit here. The winter of '44-'45 was a particularly hard time for Altena."
On the run with the dog cart
The stories keep coming in. On a digital screen read the story of a woman from Babyloniënbroek. Next to it is a restored dog cart. "This cart belongs to the Van Bergeijk family from Wijk and Aalburg," says Peter Willem. "In early 1945 they evacuated with it to Poederoijen and eventually even to Friesland. After the war they returned, with this cart. It is now on loan to us."
Hidden history
A secret transmitter, once used in the Biesbosch, is on display thanks to cooperation with the Biesbosch MuseumEiland. "De Biesbosch is not only the story of the line-crossers, but also of other secret communications."
Also special is the story of a watch, found after a plane crash in Dussen. It was recently donated to the museum by the finder. "Such objects and stories have been hidden or hushed up for years out of fear or grief. Now, eighty years later, it is time to share them."
More than history
Peter Willem powerfully summarizes the museum's purpose: "We want people here to learn or realize something they didn't already know. That they walk out with a deeper appreciation for freedom and peace. We know we may not change the world with it, but every visitor who thinks about peace is one gained."
Want to visit the War Museum Altena yourself?
Address: Grote Kerkstraat 32, Wijk en Aalburg
Opening hours: Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00 | Monday to Friday: by appointment only
More information: www.oorlogsmuseum-altena.nl
Be touched by the stories of ordinary people in unusual times. Visit War Museum Altena - where history is still alive and kicking.
QRfgoed podcast Let the water splash.
Also listen below to QRfgoed's podcast Let the Water Splash in which we dive into the wartime history of the Biesbosch with Alfons of the Biesbosch MuseumEiland in episode 2. During World War II, this watery area became a safe haven for people in hiding and members of the resistance. Here they stayed out of the hands of the Germans - who preferred to avoid the Biesbosch. Discover the story of the Line Crossers, who transported medicine, people and information across the water as a secret shuttle. A unique chapter in our history, in which the water of the Biesbosch was both friend and foe.