Volunteer Millers will host a program entitled “The History of Groningen,” on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Fulton’s Windmill Cultural Center. The location is 111 Tenth Avenue, Fulton, IL, across from the authentic Dutch windmill.
“The History of Groningen” will focus on the City of Groningen and its unique geographic and historic position in The Netherlands. Starting as the most-northern village of what was later to be called the province of Drenthe, it developed its own identity and province and became the fifth-largest City in The Netherlands.
Johan van Dijk will take the audience on a digital tour through downtown Groningen. Highlights will include the famous Martinitower; new Forum building; railway station that has been voted as the most beautiful in the Netherlands.
Presentations are free and open to the public. The facility is accessible to persons with disabilities. Light refreshments will be served following the program. For information, visit the Windmill Cultural Center and de Immigrant Windmill Facebook page, the Visit Fulton Facebook page, www.cityoffulton website, or call 563-249-6115.
Fulton has a rich, Dutch heritage. The windmill area and the annual Dutch festivals are proof of those roots. Many of those who settled in Fulton have Groningen roots. Program presenter Johan van Dijk, a Miller and Miller Trainer, was raised in Warffum, Groningen, and currently lives in the City of Groningen.
Johan van Dijk has been a “windmill enthusiast” since his earliest memories. At age 12, he began helping at the windmill in Pieterburen, Groningen, The Netherlands, with Miller and Trainer Derk Jan Tinga. At age 16, Johan started formal education as a volunteer Miller and received his Miller’s degree at 18. He worked at several windmills; currently he mostly works at the windmill Hollands Welvaart in Mensingeweer, Groningen. He became a Trainer at this windmill in 2022. In the same year, he became Chairman of the provincial Board of the Gilde van Molenaars (Guild of Millers) in Groningen. Johan previously visited Fulton in 2005 and 2016.
Johan received his formal education at the University of Groningen and ended his studies in 2011 with a Masters degree in Modern Cultural History. Since graduation, he has worked as freelance researcher, writer, city guide, documentary maker, presenter, and advisor, all with a main focus on cultural heritage in the northern part of The Netherlands.
