Discover the story of the V-weapons

Unique exhibition 'V-weapons' in the Memory Freedom Museum in Nijverdal is open .

The Memory Freedom Museum in Nijverdal is proud to present the unique exhibition 'V-weapons', which was opened on Thursday 26 September by Mr. Peter Wijninga (on the left side of the picture), affiliated with the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS). Mr. Koen Palinckx (on the right side of the picture), District Mayor of Ekeren, City of Antwerp, also made a contribution and spoke about "Antwerp under the V-bombs". For the first time in the Netherlands, this exhibition pays extensive attention to the development, use and consequences of the German V-weapons during the Second World War.

A Historical Look Back .

In the summer of 1944, the German army began deploying the dreaded V1 and V2 weapons. These flying bombs and missiles were a technical tour de force at the time, but caused many casualties and great material damage, especially in the cities of London and Antwerp. The Netherlands was not spared either; There were many casualties as a result of failed launches and premature explosions.

Hellendoorn in the spotlight .

The municipality of Hellendoorn plays a special role in this history. It is the only municipality in the Netherlands where both the V1 and V2 were launched. The first V2 was launched here on 16 November 1944, followed by the first V1 a month later. The exhibition not only shows the technical and historical aspects of these weapons, but also highlights personal stories of eyewitnesses. For example, there is an impressive scene about the espionage committed by local resistance groups, but also about Twente residents who spied in Germany in Peenemünde.

Reconstruction V1 Wilp.

 A special part of this exhibition are the remains of a V1, excavated in March 2020 next to the A1 near Wilp (near Deventer). These have been incorporated into a full-size wooden reconstruction of a V1, complete with wings.

From V2 into space .

The exhibition also focuses on the post-war development of rocket technology, which built on the V2. This includes the Apollo 11 moon landing and the rise of modern drones and unmanned aircraft. In this way, the exhibition offers a complete picture of the influence of the V-weapons on both history and modern technology.

Addition to the permanent exhibition.

 'V-weapons' is a valuable addition to the permanent exhibition of the Memory Freedom Museum. The museum tells the story of the Second World War, the defence of the Netherlands against the enemy, five years of occupation and oppression, and the sacrifices of foreign soldiers for our freedom. The museum invites you to reflect on your role and influence on freedom, both for yourself and for others, and what freedom means now.

 Visitor information.

 The exhibition 'V-weapons' is open to the public from Friday 27 September 2024 to Sunday 28 September 2025 and can be seen in the Memory Freedom Museum. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00 and is located at Grotestraat 13 in Nijverdal.