On Monday 20 November, the National Hiding Museum commemorated the (more than) 12.5 years that Dr Gerda Brethouwer has been associated with the museum as director. During the reception that was presented to her on the occasion, Gerda Brethouwer received a Royal Decoration from Mayor Anton Stapelkamp. She has thus been appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

In March 2011, Gerda was appointed director of the Aalten Museums, which is now called the National Hiding Museum. With her museum knowledge, a background in art history and education and experience with organization, PR and marketing and a tireless effort, she has really put the National Hiding Museum on the map as museum director. Under the leadership of Gerda Brethouwer, the National Hiding Museum has become a member of the Foundation Museums and Remembrance Centers ’40-’45, which means that it is recognized and supported by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The museum was also awarded the Gelderse Pauwenveer by the province in 2018 and was designated as a kids-proof museum in 2022. In 2024, the museum will also be allowed to use the designation ‘kids-proof’.

Gerda Brethouwer’s efforts are not limited to the Hiding Museum. From 2018 she was the regional leader of the provincial program 75 years of Celebrating Freedom Together, with a very extensive arsenal of activities throughout the Achterhoek. As a follow-up, she will also be the leader of the Freedom Program initiated by the province, which is working towards 2025, eighty years of freedom.

From 1 January 2024, Gerda will hand over the day-to-day management of the museum to Marijke Verschoor-Boele. As Director of Innovation, Gerda will focus on the elaboration of the National Hiding Museum’s renewal plans from 1 January 2024.

© Photo: municipality of Aalten – Source: Radio Ideal