Collecting original items from the First and Second World Wars has been a fascinating and meaningful hobby for me for many years. Each piece tells its own story and offers a glimpse into the past — a past that should never be forgotten.
But for me, simply collecting these unique artifacts wasn’t enough. I also feel a strong desire to share my knowledge about this period with others. By doing so, I hope to keep history alive and, most importantly, remind younger generations of the events that took place during these devastating chapters of our past.
My goal is not only to preserve these historical objects, but also to educate and inspire. Every item in my collection serves as a tangible reminder of courage, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war. Through sharing these stories, I aim to promote awareness, reflection, and respect for those who lived through these times.
📚 WWII Guest Lessons: Sharing Knowledge with the Next Generation
At the moment, I share my knowledge about World War II in two ways: together with my WWII buddy Bob, and through the Historical Society of Cadier en Keer.
Earlier this year, Bob and I gave our very first guest lesson to a group of 7th and 8th grade students at a local primary school. It was a truly rewarding experience — and the best question we received at the end of the lesson was:
“When are you coming back?”
That simple question made it clear to us how valuable and engaging the lesson had been, and it inspired us to continue.
We’ve since decided to offer guest lessons more regularly and are happy to make ourselves available to other (primary) schools that are interested. Our goal is to help children connect with this important part of history in an accessible and meaningful way — to ensure the stories and lessons from the war are never forgotten.
📩 Interested in a guest lesson at your school?
Feel free to send me a message. I’d be happy to get in touch and explore how we can tailor a lesson to your class.
🔍 Please note: Bob and I are based in the southern part of Limburg (Netherlands), so we prefer to give lessons within this region.
🏛️ Annual WWII Exhibition in Cadier en Keer
In addition to giving guest lessons, I’m also involved in the annual World War II exhibition organized by the Historical Society of Cadier en Keer. This event takes place once a year and offers visitors a unique opportunity to view original artifacts from this significant period in history.
Together with my WWII buddy Bob, We present a selection of German and American items from our personal collections. Each piece tells its own story and helps keep the memory of this era alive.
On Friday, we welcome students from grades 6, 7, and 8 of the local primary school in Cadier en Keer. During this educational morning, we aim to bring history to life in an engaging and accessible way, encouraging students to connect with the past.
On Saturday and Sunday, the exhibition is open to the public. We invite people of all ages to visit, ask questions, and reflect with us on this impactful period. Through this event, we hope to share our passion and knowledge, and contribute to remembrance and historical awareness.
