The history of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is closely intertwined with the major transformations that have taken place in the religious, social, political, and cultural domains since the late 19th century. “These social developments are reflected in the VU’s archives. They help us gain a deeper understanding of our history,” says VU university historian Ab Flipse.The award-winning archives span 76 meters and include meeting minutes, policy documents, architectural drawings of (former) university buildings, and photographs of special occasions. They provide a valuable window into developments in education, religion, politics, and broader cultural life in the Netherlands.
From Kuyper to King
The archives offer a multifaceted view of the university’s founding, growth, and transformation. This begins with the establishment of the VU by Abraham Kuyper. Until the mid-20th century, the university served as the intellectual center of the Dutch Reformed community. From the 1960s onward, the VU began to reinterpret its unique identity.“The windows were opened—there was space for diversity in faith and perspective. Social engagement became a key theme,” says Flipse. A powerful example of this shift is the awarding of an honorary doctorate in 1965 to Reverend and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. One of the archive’s highlights is a vinyl record featuring a speech King gave the day after the ceremony, delivered to the university’s student society.
A Living Source of History
VU’s Rector Magnificus, Jeroen Geurts, is delighted with the UNESCO recognition. “Our archives show how Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam developed from a center of Protestant thought into a place where global citizenship, diversity, and social justice are central. The UNESCO recognition emphasizes how relevant and meaningful that history remains today. Especially now, the VU identity serves as a beacon in times of polarization and growing pressure on societal values.”
The UNESCO nomination is the crowning achievement of the VU Archives project, in which all archives of VU have been inventoried and made accessible. Other impactful initiatives include ‘We Shall Overcome. Memories of Martin Luther King Jr.’ and the annual Martin Luther King Lecture. In addition to the nominated archives, the VU Archives also contain records from faculties, departments, and associations.
