400 years of Dutch-American Stories

In April 2022 the National Archives of the Netherlands launched the blog series 400 Years of Dutch-American Stories. The year 2022 marked 240 years of diplomatic relations between the US and the Netherlands, but the historical bond goes back much further.

Every year in the United States, on April 19 (Dutch-American Friendship Day) the friendship between the Netherlands and America is celebrated. The date recalls the visit of John Adams – the later second president of the United States - to the States General in The Hague in 1782.

That year, the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands concluded the first Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United States. The treaty strengthened the economic ties that had existed between the two countries since the 17th century. It was an important step in the recognition of the USA as an autonomous state.

Historian Jaap Jacobs and various guest authors have developed the series. In addition to stories about well-known names such as Peter Stuyvesant and John Adams, the underexposed aspects of this history are also discussed. Until April 2024, a new blog in will be published every month.