The Foundation "Onderduikersmuseum de Duikelaar" aims to collect, preserve, and pass on the history of Nieuwlande in both material and immaterial ways. The history of Nieuwlande during the years 1940–1945 is well worth passing on to younger generations. Many (Jewish) people in hiding found a safe haven here. For this, the village and its surroundings were awarded the Israeli Yad Vashem distinction on April 11, 1985 — an honor that has been granted to only two places in the world.
On April 6, 2018, the Onderduikersmuseum de Duikelaar opened its doors. The occasion was the presentation of The Secret Diary of Arnold Douwes by the publisher and the NIOD (Netherlands Institute for War Documentation). For the organizers, Nieuwlande was the obvious location.
With so many national guests in the village, this was the perfect moment to draw attention to the museum, small as it may be. It was an honor that we were able to have Max Léons — a former person in hiding and resistance fighter — perform the opening ceremony.
