Leidsch Dagblad, Thurdsay 25 January 2001, p. 13 (Leiden & Region page)
Leiden Gets a Pilgrim Information Center
Leiden, Eric-Jan Berendsen.
Translated by Jeremy Bangs
What does the average Leiden resident know about the Pilgrim Fathers, actually? According to Alderman Pechtold (culture), not so much. That's why permanent attention will be given to these religious refugees in a special area in the Municipal Archives, soon. With documents, letters, and legal items in exhibit cases, but also with a "virtual" walking tour through the history of the Pilgrim Fathers. In addition, the center is intended to satisfy the growing request, primarily from the U.S., for information about the ancestors of a part of the present American population.
During the presentation of the plans this morning, it appeared that the archive's website receives around 5,000 visits per month. Most of these visitors are from America, the land where the Pilgrim Fathers sought refuge in the 17th century, because they feared the "Dutchification" of their children. Even more reason, according to Pechtold, for providing good electronic information. "Time and again there's negative publicity for Leiden concerning the Pilgrim Fathers. If demolition of the wall remains of the Vrouwekerk is discussed, I'm approached by the news media from America. With this website, we display all the information and the visitors themselves must determine if the wall remains of the Walloon church are where Pilgrim Fathers were married once upon a time, or whether or not it is in fact American heritage."
On the website, Leiden buildings where the Pilgrim Fathers used to live and work can also be seen, and, by typing in index words, genealogical research can be done. And if Americans want to dive even deeper in the history of their ancestors, then the Municipal Archives has adequate source material and the study room is available.
Because having exhibits is not a "core business" of the archive, there is a separate entrance on the Vliet, for the exhibition and computer space. The Pilgrim Information Center will be opened next summer.