Stadsarchief Amsterdam Concludes Major Project Mapping Historical Addresses
Stadsarchief Amsterdam recently hosted the closing event for its extensive "Aan het juiste adres" (At the Right Address) project, marking the culmination of two and a half years of dedicated work. On April 4, the archive welcomed approximately seventy municipal and heritage professionals to share the significant findings and future implications of this initiative, which aims to enhance digital access to Amsterdam's historical location data.
The project represents a substantial leap in how the city's archive operates, transitioning from traditional, paper-based methods to a fully digital-first approach. Marc Holtman, head of Accessibility & Digital Innovation at the Stadsarchief, emphasized this shift, highlighting the archive's evolution into a modern utility focused on digital use and reuse.
Unlocking Amsterdam's Past Through Digital Maps
A core achievement of the "Aan het juiste adres" project is the creation of detailed historical location points. Researchers Mark Raat and Bram Boonstra meticulously connected various data sources to specific map points, establishing around 1400 "addresses" traceable as far back as 1648. This intricate process involved integrating historical geographic information systems (GIS) with existing records, offering a granular view of the city's past.
The project's leader, Nelleke van Zeeland, reflected on the journey, acknowledging both successes and areas for future development. The consensus among participants was that while significant milestones have been reached, the potential for further digital exploration of Amsterdam's history remains vast.
New Digital Tools for Historical Discovery
A key outcome presented at the meeting was a prototype map viewer, now available on aanhetjuisteadres.nl. Dataspecialist Menno den Engelse demonstrated how connecting location points with existing Adamlink and Stadsarchief data reveals new insights into the city's evolution. This includes identifying discrepancies or changes in the urban fabric that wouldn't be apparent through automated connections alone.
The map viewer allows users to explore historical data visually, providing new perspectives on Amsterdam and its inhabitants. For example, a user could trace the residential and work addresses of a 19th-century maid or pinpoint every location in the city depicted by artist Herman Misset. This tool empowers both researchers and the public to interact with history in a dynamic way.
Connecting Amsterdam's History to Broader Initiatives
The "Aan het juiste adres" project also contributes to larger digital heritage endeavors. Ingeborg Verheul and Leon van Wissen from the Amsterdam Time Machine highlighted how this initiative aligns with their broader goal of mapping the historical city. A notable development is the inclusion of Amsterdam's historical Adamlink addresses in the Termennetwerk of NDE (Network Digital Heritage), making this valuable data reusable for anyone interested in digital heritage.
This project represents a crucial step in making the rich archives of Amsterdam more accessible and discoverable. To explore more cultural spots and historical insights within Amsterdam and beyond, visit Musemap (musemap.art) or browse our map of cultural locations. You can also search for specific interests to uncover hidden gems.
