KFG-Sieperda-sympoasium: 'It lân fan dream en winsken? Frisians and the United States (1776-2026)'

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the thirteen American states declaring their independence from the British monarchy. In Fryslân, there was immediate sympathy for this endeavour. A century later, many Frisians sought a better future on the other side of the ocean in what was called the ‘Lân fan Dream en Winsken’ (Land of Dreams and Wishes').

This KFG-Sieperda symposium will highlight various examples of Frisians who found a new future in America. Attention will also be paid to Frisians who tried to maintain ties with their homeland for several generations. They did this, for example, by speaking Frisian among themselves. Many Frisians never dared to emigrate, but were influenced by the culture of American writers and thinkers.

The remarkable bond that has existed between Fryslân and America for 250 years will be explored and illustrated at this symposium by four entertaining speakers. The event is organised by the Royal Frisian Society (Keninklik Frysk Genoatskip), in collaboration with De Vrije Fries, Tresoar and the Fryske Akademy.

Programme
 

13:00 Doors open with coffee and tea
13:20 Opening by Joop Koopmans (chairman of KFG and symposium chairman)
13:25 Introduction to the theme by Annemieke Galema
13:35 Jelte Olthof, “The people of that province have been ever famous for the spirit of liberty”: Friesland and the United States in times of revolution
14:00 Hanneke Hoekstra, Nei Amearika: the drama of the Frisian exile Jan Stap (1859-1908)
14:25 Break
14:50 Peter de Haan, Famous Frisians in America
15:15 Doeke Sijens, Why Reinder Brolsma did not emigrate (and other writers)
15:40 Discussion
16:00 Closing
16:05 Drinks
 

Practical information

Where: Tresoar (Boterhoek 1, Leeuwarden, NL)
When: Friday 10 April 2026 (13:20-17:00)
Registration: no later than 7 April 2026 by email to info@friesgenootschap.nl and payment at the same time.
Cost: KFG members, members of the Fryske Akademy and students: €5. Other attendees: €7.50. 
Please transfer the amount to bank account NL33ABNA0450289001 in the name of Koninklijk Fries Genootschap te Leeuwarden.