There is a large number of forts in our province, De Stelling van Amsterdam alone has 42 forts and 4 batteries. Interest in these defense mechanisms is increasing. The fort season has started this weekend, including at Fort near Edam. There is a special Easter treasure hunt for children.
“Fort near Edam is the last of the Defense Line of Amsterdam and has fortunately never been in use,” says Theo van Baar enthusiastically as he gives a young visitor an A4 sheet of the treasure hunt. “We are open extra on Easter Sunday because we love to welcome all young and older visitors.”
Theo is a volunteer at the Fort near Edam Foundation, he keeps a close eye on the beautiful fort, which dates from 1913. “With the museum we want to bring history close to people again.”
Easter Bunny’s Name
Besides that this day is a celebration for the fortress, it is also Easter. That is why the children can do a treasure hunt in search of the name of the Easter bunny. While playing, they pass the only surviving kitchen of the Defense Line of Amsterdam, through long corridors and to the roof to enjoy the view.
Theo did not want to reveal what the Easter bunny’s name is, but a good detective, who was tinkering at the time, discovered it; Leonard Longoor.
The Defense Line of Amsterdam, of which Fort bij Edam is a part, is an official UNESCO heritage site. Last year, the New Dutch Waterline was also added. Juke van Niekerk of interest group Liniebreed says that these recognitions are also increasing interest in our Dutch heritage.