The Holland Society of New York: Preserving the Dutch Legacy in America

The Holland Society of New York was founded to celebrate and preserve the history of the Dutch settlers who helped establish New Netherland in the 17th century, the Society continues to uphold the cultural and historical influence of the Netherlands on early America—especially in what became New York State.

Formation of the Holland Society of New York

The Holland Society of New York is a historical and genealogical society founded to collect and preserve information respecting the early history and settlement of New Netherland by the Dutch. The Society was incorporated on May 1st, 1885, by a group of gentlemen descended from the original settlers of New Netherland.

George West Van Siclen was the first to propose the formation of a New York society composed of the descendants of the New Netherland settlers. The founders met Mr. Van Siclen’s home on February 21, 1885, where it was there determined to make an effort to establish a society in which every member should be descended from a Dutchman of New Netherland.

The first order of business was to find a name for the fledging society. Various names were suggested. But “The Holland Society of New York” was adopted because it was felt that “it was simple and it required no explanation.”

Mission and Purpose

From its inception, the Holland Society of New York has dedicated itself to the preservation, study, and celebration of the Dutch heritage in America. Its mission includes:

Documenting genealogy of descendants of Dutch settlers in New Netherland (1624–1674).
Preserving historical records, manuscripts, and artifacts connected to early Dutch America.
Educating the public about the history, culture, religion and influence of the Dutch in shaping colonial America.

The Society’s motto, “Eindelijk wordt een Spruit een Boom” (Finally a sprout becomes a tree). The tree is a symbol of the princess of Nassau, and signifies that this vigorous sapling derived its glory from the parent branches.

Membership

Membership in the Holland Society of New York is open to men and women who can prove direct descent from an ancestor who lived in New Netherland prior to or during 1675, when Dutch control of the region effectively ended. If you do not have a family member who has been a member of the society, then you will need to fill out an application for a new line membership which may have to be verified by a certified genealogist prior to approval by the Board of Trustees. A proposer, seconder, and character reference are also required.

Over time, the Society has established junior memberships and “Friends of the Holland Society” memberships. The Society also has a listing of historic New Netherlands organizations and sites on its website.

Activities and Contributions

The Holland Society has long been active in scholarship, preservation, and cultural diplomacy. Its key initiatives include:

Annual Meetings and Banquets, held since the late 19th century, where distinguished speakers—including statesmen, scholars, and ambassadors—address topics on Dutch-American history and heritage.
Publications such as The Holland Society Yearbook and de Halve Maen, a scholarly journal that publishes original research on early Dutch America.
Preservation projects, including the maintenance of historic Dutch churches, cemeteries, and archives in New York and New Jersey.
Genealogical resources, housed at the Society’s headquarters in New York City, offering one of the most comprehensive collections on New Netherland families.
Cultural programs that foster ties between the Netherlands and the United States, including partnerships with Dutch cultural institutions and universities.

Through these endeavors, the Society has established itself as a custodian of New York’s Dutch roots and an essential resource for historians and genealogists alike.

The Legacy of New Netherland

The Dutch colony of New Netherland (1624–1664) laid much of the groundwork for modern New York. The Dutch influence can still be seen in:

Place names such as Harlem (Haarlem), Brooklyn (Breukelen), and Staten Island (Staaten Eylandt).
Traditions of religious tolerance and free trade that became defining features of American democracy.
A legacy of urban planning, civic governance, and cultural diversity that shaped early New York City.

By celebrating and preserving this history, the Holland Society ensures that the Dutch contributions to American identity are neither overlooked nor forgotten.

Conclusion

For nearly a century and a half, the Holland Society of New York has championed the legacy of America’s Dutch founders—those traders, settlers, and civic leaders who built a colony rooted in tolerance, enterprise, and community.

Through its publications, preservation work, and fellowship of descendants, the Society continues to honor the Dutch influence that helped shape the spirit of New York and, ultimately, the ideals of America itself.