Aaltense Musea

Through "small personal" stories, the National Museum of the Secret Annex tells the great history of hiding and resistance during World War II. Through the stories, choices and dilemmas of ordinary citizens in the border region, a picture emerges of a community in ordinary and unusual times.

In addition to the hiding theme, the museum recounts the life and work of Aalten and its surroundings. This goes back to prehistoric times and shows the agricultural development and the transition to the industrial age.

In addition to the hiding theme, the museum recounts the life and work of Aalten and its surroundings.

The textile and horn industry show the interwovenness of the population on both sides of the border. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Driessen families settled in Aalten. They established textile factories that provided work for many for more than a century. Visit our textile room where a selection of textiles made in their factories are on display. A special walking tour brings to life the heyday of the textile industry in Aalten in a special way.

Horn turners learned their trade in Germany. They too established factories in the municipality of Aalten. From 1855 to the middle of the last century, "German pipes," walking sticks and buttons, among other things, were produced here. In the Horn Room you will see these and other horn objects and get to know the five families who shaped the horn industry in Aalten. Using the Horn Route, you will walk past places where the horn industry manifested itself.

The agricultural collection in the old Village Farmhouse shows how farmers used to live and work. Much of what they needed was homemade. From farm carts to bedsteads and looms. Rare is the complete wheel maker, surprisingly the well-stocked linen cabinet.

Also take a seat in our fully equipped classroom from earlier times.

The museum's story collection shows that the agricultural sector and both industries played an important role in the hiding and resistance during World War II. In the near future, the museum plans to redesign exhibits from these perspectives.

(source: nationaalonderduikmuseum.nl)