Commemorate
Together we remember all the war dead.
Celebrate
Together we celebrate the liberation of the Netherlands and the meaning of freedom.
In 2025, we celebrate 80 years of being able and allowed to live in freedom. The freedom to be able to speak out, to make your own choices, to be who you are. The freedom we have cannot be taken for granted in the world we live in today. That is why it is extra important to remember this.
What are you doing for freedom?
During World War II, many people paid a high price for our freedom. Also in Haarlem. That we live in freedom, we owe to them. In this special year also in Haarlem many activities are organized to remember this. From commemorations of resistance heroes to living room conversations to Liberation Pop. Various activities that all revolve around 80 years of freedom. Take part, because freedom is something you make together.
The liberation skirt, the symbol of liberation
Amidst the celebration of freedom, they suddenly appear: the liberation skirts. This skirt not only symbolized togetherness, but also reconstruction: forming something new from the remnants of the old. The skirt was made from old patches of fabric on which women embroidered important dates or memories. The skirts were worn on both national and personal holidays, so that new memories also had a place on them. Thus, each skirt tells a unique and personal life story. Find out more about the liberation skirt in Verwey Museum Haarlem and the magazine '80 years of freedom | Haarlem'.
Activities
Dome Cathedral during World War II
Dome Cathedral
The Dome Cathedral is reflecting on the role it had during World War II. There are additional walk-in tours on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and an exhibit in the Cathedral Museum.
Mar. 19.
Who Cares? Forgotten victims and hidden heroes of care in WWII
Museum of the Spirit | Dolhuys
Museum van de Geest presenteert Who Cares?, een tentoonstelling over de geschiedenis van de zorg in de Tweede Wereldoorlog.
Mar. 27.
Liberated! Now what?
North Holland Archives (Janskerk)
May 5, 1945. The Netherlands has been liberated, which causes great joy and relief, but immediately the big question arises: and now?
Apr 22.
Load events
Resistance hero Corrie ten Boom and her motivations
Anyone who has heard the extraordinary story of Corrie ten Boom once will never let it go. This watchmaker from Haarlem helped more than a hundred Jews and other persecuted people during World War II. What was her motivation? Read it from mid-April in the magazine '80 years of freedom | Haarlem'.
Contact
Do you have questions regarding 80 years of freedom in Haarlem? Then contact the municipality of Haarlem using the button below.
Event registration
Are you organizing an event or activity around the theme of 80 years of freedom? Then register your event using the button below.
Magazine
Passionate writers, illustrators and photographers from Haarlem are creating a special magazine about the celebration of 80 years of freedom in 2025. Entitled "80 Years of Freedom | Haarlem," this magazine sheds light on various aspects of freedom, from historical milestones to personal stories and contemporary insights. With mainly stories from Haarlem and its surroundings.
