Anja Adriaans, founder and chair of Stichting FAN: Friendship Albany-Nijmegen
Paul Grondahl, Director of the New York State Writers Institute
This year is the 70th anniversary of war-relief for the people of the City of Nijmegen in the Netherlands and it is a history tied to the City of Albany’s Tulip Festival.
Last fall, independent researcher Anja Adriaans gave a presentation at the Albany Institute about Albany’s connection to the city of Nijmegen in the Netherlands. This story, rooted in World War II, was brought to life when she showed a long-lost film created in Nijmegen to thank the residents of Albany for their involvement in the war-relief effort in 1947. Her passion was infectious and attendees were curious to know more. They were fascinated to discover that part of the official “thank you” to the city of Albany was a shipment of tulip bulbs that were planted and bloomed for the first Tulip Festival in 1949.
Adriaans returns to Albany to share recent research and show fascinating historic films "Albany Adopted Nijmegen" and "This is Nijmegen". Guests will be treated to special music by the Musicians of Ma’alwyck, a commemorative insert from the Times Union, and the unveiling of a new traveling exhibition.
Free admission
IMAGE: Help Nijmegen! April 13-30th, Times Union, Albany NY, April 21, 1947, Albany Institute of History & Art Library, MG238/F3, DI 1121
There are three events on May 10:
- 5—6PM Reception| $50 per person | Albany-Nijmegen: The Sister-City Initiative
- 6:15—7:15PM Public Program | free admission | Albany-Nijmegen: Sister-City History
- 7:30—9PM Special Event | $10 per person | Tulip Trivia: The History & Mystery of Albany's Tulip Festival
Sponsors
The Sister City Project: Albany-Nijmegen
Albany Medical Center
The Dutch Settlers Society of Albany
The Foy Fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region
Jay Harold Jakovic, Esq.
Charles M. Liddle III & Nancy H. Liddle Fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region
New York State Archives & New York State Archives Partnership Trust
Chet and Karen Opalka
Palace Theatre
Park Albany
Frank and Sarah Slingerland
Standish Family Fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region
Special Thanks to The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region