About this Event
Dutch American Heritage Day Celebration
The Netherland-America Foundation (NAF) cordially invites you to celebrate Dutch-American Heritage Day at the Timken Museum in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. During this event we will commemorate the close relationship between the United States and the Netherlands and the contributions of Dutch-Americans to the country. During the event there will also be an opportunity to learn more about the Timken Museum of Art. Docents will be stationed at each gallery to provide information about the unique Timken collection of art, including a collection of Dutch Master paintings (works by Rembrandt, Hals, Brueghel, and others).
During the event, following speakers will share their thoughts on our historic Dutch-American bond:
· Henk Hanselaar, Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in San Diego
· Jorrit de Vries, Chief Representative Officer and Director, NBSO Los Angeles (tentative)
· Marcel van Zweeden, President, NAF Southern California Chapter
· Letty Vermeulen and Huib Stad, NLA Sports
· Megan Pogue, Executive Director, Timken Museum of Art
· NAF-Fulbright Scholarship Recipients
This charitable event is hosted by the Southern California Chapter of the Netherland-America Foundation, which builds on the enduring heritage and values shared between the peoples of the Netherlands and the United States.
Proceeds from the fundraising event will support the NAF's programs and causes related to exchange programs of Dutch and American students, Dutch School SoCal and USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. The NAF is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. For more information, see https://thenaf.org/.
Hors d’Oeuvres and drinks will be served.
Dress code: Professional Cocktail Attire.
Date: Thursday, November 13th, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Timken Museum at Balboa Park
1500 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Balboa Park provides plenty parking. The closest lot is Alcazar located South and West of the Timken.
PARKING
Free parking is available in various lots throughout Balboa Park just a short 5-10 minute walk to the Timken Museum. Closest parking is available in the Alcazar Lot located South and West of the Timken (though it fills up quickly). The Organ Pavilion parking lot has ample parking and is a 10-minute walk to the museum. Additional parking may be found in the Inspiration Point, Palisades, Federal, Balboa, Natural History, and Zoo parking lots. For more parking information, visit: https://balboapark.org/plan-your-visit/parking/
ABOUT THE NETHERLAND-AMERICA FOUNDATION
The NAF promotes the bonds between our two countries through exchange in the arts, sciences, education, business and public affairs. The NAF was co-founded by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1921 and is the leading bilateral foundation initiating and supporting high-impact exchange between the Netherlands and the United States, including the NAF-Fulbright Fellowships and programs in the arts, business, public policy and historic preservation. NAF activities provide donors and recipients with access to a broad network of educational, cultural and business organizations that exemplify Dutch and American excellence in a number of disciplines. https://thenaf.org/about-us/
ABOUT THE TIMKEN MUSEUM
The Timken Museum of Art preserves the Putnam Collection of European old masters, American art and Russian icons for the education and benefit of present and future generations of San Diego residents and visitors. The Timken Museum of Art in San Diego, California has a collection of Dutch Master paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Hals, Brueghel, and others. The Museum celebrates the important role of art as a way of enriching the lives and nurturing the creative spirit in us all. https://www.timkenmuseum.org/
ABOUT DUTCH AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY
Few people realize that the Dutch settled New Jersey and New York as part of its “New Netherlands” settlement before the English took over the province in 1664. In recognition of the period of Dutch settlement in the 1600s we are honoring our Early Dutch Heritage. In 1776, after our Declaration of Independence was penned and signed, the Dutch cannons at Fort Orange on the Caribbean Island of Saint Eustace were the first to answer a salute form visiting American war ships. Thus, the Netherlands was the first nation to recognize the United States of America. This is now known as The First Salute, and Dutch American Heritage Day instituted by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. For more information, visit: https://nl.usembassy.gov/history-of-u-s-dutch-relations/#friendshipdays
Questions?
Contact:
Jonneke van Dam
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, San Diego, United States
USD 55.20 to USD 500.00
