Genealogical Working Group: Lecture Martha van der Zwaag on the ‘Pilat’ family (NL)

The members of the Genealogical Working Group (Genealogysk Wurkferbân) focus on the cohesion of those genera and the circumstances in which they lived. They do so to deepen their own understanding, but also to help others, such as historians, with the results of their research.

Every year, the Genealogical Working Group organises a series of meetings. The lectures are held at Tresoar and are free of charge and open to everyone.

On 31 January, Martha van der Zwaag, lecturer at NHLStenden and teacher of Dutch and History at Piter Jelles! impulse, will give a lecture on the Pilat and Pilot families.

The Pilat and Pilot families came from the impoverished German town of Burgsteinfurt (and the farming community of Hollich). Industrialisation in the early 19th century caused the linen industry to collapse, leaving young farmers' sons with no future in the countryside. Jan Heinrich and Johann Pilat decided to seek their fortune elsewhere. With nothing more than their root cloth with their belongings, and their craftsmanship, they walked to Friesland. In Metslawier, they found work as weavers, and so began the story of the Pilat and Pilot families in Fryslân and the surrounding area; a family that grew into a colourful, broad community with deep roots and a rich history.

Today, the Pilatten and Pilotten Foundation, chaired by Martha van der Zwaag – teacher, artist and gallery owner – is committed to keeping this history alive. The foundation collects documents, photographs, stories and memories to preserve and share the family history. Not only for the family itself, but also for others to recognise themselves in it.

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(The event is in Dutch)

Activities 2026

• Saturday 31 January 2026: Lecture by Martha van der Zwaag on the ‘Pilat’ family;
• Saturday 7 March 2026: Joint meeting with NGV and the Maritime History Working Group, with lecture by Jan Auke Walburg on 'Friezen op zee. De Gouden eeuw van de koopvaardij in Friese steden en dorpen’
• Saturday 4 April 2026: Presentation of the 75th Genealogical Yearbook