Easy hikes and walks in Veenhuizen

Between 1796 and 1813, the French ruled the Netherlands. It was a poor time: especially in cities, many people lost their jobs and homes and had to beg or steal to survive. Johannes van den Bosch sought a solution and founded the experimental colony Frederiksoord in Drenthe in 1818. Poor city dwellers were given a small farm and a piece of land to grow their own food. This way, they no longer had to beg. His plan was called the **Society of Benevolence**, but financial problems arose as early as 1823: helping the poor proved too expensive. Therefore, a new plan was devised: three large institutions were built in Veenhuizen for orphans from the cities. The buildings were square, with a courtyard, and each could accommodate about a thousand people. Much had to be done before the first residents arrived: there were no roads, so canals were dug for transport. Shops were also lacking, forcing residents to make their own food, clothing, and furniture. They reclaimed the peatland, cultivated the land, and built farms, a small shop, and workshops such as a blacksmith, sawmill, and clog maker. However, too few orphans arrived to fill all the institutions. Two institutions were filled with orphans, the third with beggars and vagrants. Families lived in small houses around the buildings. The orphans slept eighty at a time in dormitories, supervised by one dormitory mother or father for every two dormitories. They also ate and worked there during the day. At night, they slept in hammocks suspended from the ceiling. They received two hours of lessons daily in reading, writing, and arithmetic—remarkable for that time—but also had to work hard in the fields or the kitchen. Life was harsh. After turning twenty, they could leave the colony if they found work. Ultimately, the institutions proved too expensive again. The Society of Benevolence faced financial problems once more. In 1859, the government took over the institutions in Veenhuizen. See also: https://historiek.net/weeskinderen-kinderkolonie-veenhuizen/64393/ and: https://gevangenismuseum.nl/groepen/kinderkolonie-veenhuizen/

The power station was built in 1909, but after about twenty years it was only used as an emergency power station. At the beginning of this century, everything was restored and it is possible to attend a demonstration here. In the past, no less than 200 kilos of peat were burned here every hour to generate energy. The building was designed by architect W.C. Metzelaar, who designed more buildings in this village. The power station is a national monument and nowadays belongs to the Prison Museum. A club of enthusiastic volunteers will gladly tell you much more about this gem! See also: https://gevangenismuseum.nl/groepen/rondleiding-door-de-electriciteitscentrale/

The National Prison Museum has been located at its current site in Veenhuizen since 2005; the only remaining correctional institution of the Society of Benevolence, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021. The 1823 building is one of the few tangible reminders from the era of the Colonies of Benevolence in the village. Besides permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Prison Museum offers fascinating activities for young and old. From a visit to a notorious prison, a ride through the village with the old Convict Bus, to in-depth events and activities. See also: https://gevangenismuseum.nl/

Finally a decent lunch menu!

PRISON ESSERHEEM

The building, with the name Bitter en Zoet inscribed in the center of its facade, was built in 1893 based on a design by W.C. Metzelaar; it is both functionally and visually strongly connected to the Toewijding residence and the Plichtgevoel apothecary's residence. The three buildings are connected at the rear and form the Bitter en Zoet hotel-restaurant.

moat around historic prison

You feel the history of poverty in the Netherlands