-Press release-

‘the De-Collecting’: THE OPEN DEPOT COLLECTION OF MUSEUM DE VOORDE

On 1 March, ‘the De-Collecting‘ will open to the public. In the De-Collecting, the entire collection of Museum De Voorde will be on display and Zoetermeerders are invited to help with the de-collecting of the collection.

Deaccessioning a museum collection starts with valuing the objects. Then all the objects get a new owner. But before we can decide where the objects will go, we first want to know what the objects are worth. For this, the museum calls on the help of all Zoetermeer residents. We call on them to shed their light on the collection: each object literally asks them What am I worth? Will you help? Which object do you think is most valuable? You can think about the historical, artistic or social value of the object. Or does the object really play on your emotions or a personal memory? Your opinion counts!

In March and April, we will organise viewing days and working group sessions. During the viewing days, visitors can take a look behind the scenes of the museum and discover the many regional history treasures that are not normally open to the public. We will show what has been collected over the past 30 years.

During the working group sessions for residents and school groups, special objects are given a rating in consultation. These sessions are supervised by experts from the museum and Historisch Genootschap Oud Soetermeer (HGOS).

By opting for joint de-collecting, the museum does justice to its own history. Just about all the objects were donated by people from Zoetermeer. The museum also hopes to do justice to HGOS and its members, who were at the forefront of the Zoetermeer museum. This year, HGOS celebrates its 75th anniversary. An association that still describes, presents and cares about the material culture of Zoetermeer. The De-Collecting also wants to make a kind gesture to the many hundreds of donors and to the residents who volunteered at the museum.

By involving residents alongside museum experts, the museum aims to shape the discussion on what heritage means for a growth city like Zoetermeer. With its collection of some 5,000 objects, the museum has managed to capture the spirit of the times. With regional historical objects and popular design from the 2nd half of the 20th century, it reflects the identity of a city that 60 years ago was still a farming village. This makes it exemplary of the growth spurt the Netherlands has experienced. With the results, Museum De Voorde hopes to contribute to Zoetermeer taking the next step towards a new Heritage Centre.

Museum de Voorde is the first museum in the Netherlands to de-collect its entire collection in consultation with local people. The process is extremely timely as the European Convention of Faro was ratified by the Netherlands last month. The Faro Convention agreed to put people and society at the centre and involve citizens more in choices about heritage.

The museum thus aims to bridge the gap between the public and the regional history collection, and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of heritage. Visitors will not only have the chance to admire all the objects up close, but will also learn about their historical context and background. Where which object will go -after the valuation phase- will also be partly determined by the people of Zoetermeer. The museum pieces will not be sold, but awarded to others. In April/May, we will also ask the inhabitants to think along about the next step in the project. Of each object, we also want to know: Where do I belong?

The project is financially supported through a project grant from the Municipality of Zoetermeer and a national Faro grant from the Cultural Heritage Agency. The Faro committee justified the financial support as follows:
‘The project involves all layers of society. Good thought has been given to removing barriers. The project will result in a toolkit for other small regional collections, a publication and advice for the Museum Association and the RCE on possible adjustments to the museum guideline. The outcomes of the project and the look ahead to policy are highly relevant as more local museums undergo transformation in the coming years.’

the De-Collecting is located at Stadhuisplein 21 in Zoetermeer and is free of charge.
Opening hours:

• Valuation of objects: 1 March to 27 April on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12.00 to 17.00 pm.
• Awarding of objects: 1 May to 29 June on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12.00 to 17.00 pm.