It is a special recognition for the Industrial Narrow Gauge Museum in Erica. The museum’s youth group won the runner-up prize of €5,000 at the Heritage Volunteer Prize on Friday. The festive presentation took place in the Royal Theater in The Hague.
“It is a great honor for us to receive the second prize. It is a recognition of the hard work of the group. Of course we would like to thank everyone who voted for us,” says Rick Strijker, one of the young people, proudly.
The Heritage Volunteer Award is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and annually honors volunteers who are committed to preserving heritage in the Netherlands. Minister Gouke Moes presented the prize and expressed his appreciation during the ceremony.
“Thousands of volunteers in the Netherlands care for the heritage of our country. Heritage is about buildings, things, but also about customs, knowledge, skills and crafts that should not be lost. Volunteers preserve this heritage with love. They also ensure that others can experience it. Heritage is therefore really human work. It is very good to put the volunteers in the spotlight once a year with the Heritage Volunteer Award.”
The jury was particularly impressed by the way in which the Industrial Narrow Gauge Museum manages to involve young people. “That does not happen just once, but on a structural basis,” according to the jury. “Young people with diverse backgrounds find a place there, get to know each other and actively work together.”
According to the jury, the young people do not just work on a hobby, but actively contribute to the preservation of heritage for future generations. “The work is versatile: from maintaining the railway route and running the catering industry, to the professional restoration and maintenance of unique rolling heritage.”