Book presentation of the Genealogical Yearbook: digital welcome by Nelleke IJssennagger-van der Pluijm
Book presentation of the Genealogical Yearbook: 75 years of Frisian family history in a new guise
On Saturday, April 4, 2026, the Fryske Akademy celebrated a special anniversary with the presentation of the 75th Genealogical Yearbook. What began in 1951 as a modest 'booklet' for Frisian genealogists has grown into an indispensable reference work for anyone engaged in Frisian family history.
The Genealogical Yearbook is compiled and edited by the members of the Genealogical Working Group of the Fryske Akademy. The Yearbook is tangible proof of countless hours spent sifting through archives, notarial deeds, and other documents.
You can buy or order the yearbook for €29,95 yn the Afûk shop.
Ype Brouwers
A person who played a very important role in the history of the Genealogisch Werkverband is the genealogist Ype Brouwers (1949-2025), who passed away last year. In the 1980s, as a young man in his thirties, he became involved with the workers' association and played an important role within the association for decades. Brouwers leaves a great void on the editorial board, according to editorial board member Jelle de Jong in an In Memoriam.
History of the Genealogical Yearbook
After a brief historical overview of the Genealogical Yearbook by Pieter Nieuwland, Gosse van der Plaats, chairman of the Genealogical Working Group, and Han Nijdam of the Fryske Akademy received the first copies of the Genealogical Yearbook 2025, which has been published in a completely new design.
Next, it was time to look ahead. In collaboration with Jantine van der West and Froukje Sijtsma of the Fryske Akademy, the Genealogisch Werkverband organised a panel discussion on the future and the importance of genealogical research. Four experts from various fields engaged in a conversation with each other and with the audience.
Future of genealogy
Marga Claus, author of life stories, emphasised how genealogy can help people understand their place in the world, but that facts are always subordinate to stories. Johan Wagenaar, owner of a historical research agency, spoke about the social aspect of the Genealogical Society and the importance of making genealogy accessible to younger generations. Martha Kist, collection manager at Tresoar, discussed the opportunities and risks of digitisation, and Paul van der Zwaag, clinical geneticist at the UMCG, emphasised the importance of genealogy in DNA research. The various perspectives, additions, and anecdotes from the audience made for a lively discussion. The conclusion was: genealogy is much more than collecting names and data. It is about stories, identity, health, and connectedness.
The program offered the authors of the Yearbook ample opportunity to explain their articles. The Frisian Council for Heraldry presented no fewer than nine new family and village coats of arms and flags, which are also included in the Yearbook.
Management change
The day concluded with a change of board. After nine years, Chairman Gosse van der Plaats and Secretary Jabik van der Bij stepped down from their positions. Jantine van der West thanked them on behalf of the Fryske Akademy for their dedication and commitment to the board of the Genealogical Society. Wybo Palstra and Melle van der Heide took office as the new chairman and secretary.
Curious too?
The Fryske Akademy offers everyone the opportunity to study various scientific topics in a broader context in the form of working groups and study circles. These citizen science platforms serve as a meeting place between science and society. Every donor ('stiper') can indicate whether he or she wishes to participate in one of the working groups. Welcome!
