The reach of the past

Original title: Het bereik van het verleden.

The Dutch have little knowledge or awareness of history. At least, that is the conclusion if we are to believe recent discussions about Dutch identity. In order to turn this presumed tide, the 'Dutch Canon' has been developed and plans have been made to build a National Historical Museum near Arnhem. But how interested are the Dutch really in the past? How often do they visit museum collections, historic buildings, historic towns and villages and archaeological digs? Do they make use of archives? How does this interest compare with the use of books, newspapers, radio, television and Internet for satisfying people's historical curiosity? And how active are the Dutch in their leisure time as volunteers for a museum, as local historians or as collectors of objects with historical value?
This study considers these and other questions on the basis of survey research and statistical data. It documents trends in the interest in cultural heritage and differences between population groups. It also puts forward explanations for these trends and social differences. Based on the findings, it concludes by reviewing Dutch policy on cultural heritage.