SINT-MICHIELSGESTEL MUSEUM FIELD GUIDE
At Beekvlietboerderij: Teaching Democracy Where Dutch Hostages Once Lived
An interactive, curriculum-aligned school program at Beekvlietboerderij that links lessons in democracy and citizenship to the lived history of WWII hostages.
At Beekvlietboerderij: Teaching Democracy Where Dutch Hostages Once Lived.
At the Beekvlietboerderij in Sint-Michielsgestel, schools join an interactive educational program that connects concepts such as democracy, freedom, integration, participation, social interaction and fake news to the poignant local history of Dutch hostages held during World War II. The program is led by knowledgeable volunteers who work with teachers to guide subgroup assignments both inside and out, using digital tools where appropriate.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Curriculum‑aligned citizenship education
The interactive program is designed for school groups and addresses government requirements for citizenship education, covering democracy, freedom, integration, participation, social interaction and fake news. Volunteers collaborate with teachers to run structured assignments for pupils.
The story of the Beekvliet hostages
Between 6 May 1942 and 6 September 1944 some 1,276 Dutch citizens were held as hostages in the Beekvliet, Haaren and Ruwenberg camps; these men—scientists, writers, musicians, politicians, clergy and others—stood as guarantees against resistance activity and many later contributed to the post‑war reconstruction of the Netherlands.
Volunteer‑led, hands‑on learning
Deskundige vrijwilligers guide teachers and pupils through subgroup assignments on the site, working inside and outdoors and making use of available digital resources; bespoke consultations are available by contacting the volunteers directly.
What the day feels like
How a visit unfolds
A school day at Beekvlietboerderij begins with an introduction to the location and its wartime role, then moves into volunteer‑led tasks in subgroups that mix indoor and outdoor activities; digital media are available to support the assignments and teachers work in partnership with volunteers throughout the program.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits and what to expect.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Visits can last up to a maximum of 8 hours.
Seminarielaan 3, 5271 SG, Sint Michielsgestel is the designated meeting location for the program.
No special gear is required; digital resources are provided on site. Accompanying teachers remain responsible for the pupils during the visit.
For program details or to discuss adaptations for your group, contact the volunteer team via [email protected].
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Which school levels is the program for?
Scholen bezoeken de Beekvlietboerderij met leerlingen van het basisonderwijs (vanaf groep 7), voortgezet onderwijs en vervolgopleidingen.
How long does a visit last?
Duur: maximaal 8 uur.
Where do we meet on the day?
De meetinglocatie is Seminarielaan 3, 5271 SG, Sint Michielsgestel.
Who runs and guides the program?
The program at Beekvlietboerderij is run with the support of deskundige vrijwilligers who guide assignments in cooperation with teachers; the operator is Gijzelaarskamp Beekvliet.
Are students with disabilities welcome?
Yes—leerlingen met beperking(en) zijn welkom. Begeleidende docenten blijven verantwoordelijk voor de leerlingen.