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Forgotten flood of 1825: exhibition in Sint Jansklooster inspires!
Find out everything about the “History Day” commemoration event on October 11, 2025 in De Wieden, which commemorates the forgotten flood disaster of 1825.
Forgotten flood of 1825: exhibition in Sint Jansklooster inspires!
On October 11, 2025, a very special day will take place at the Bezoekerscentrum De Wieden in Sint Jansklooster, dedicated to the historical and natural aspects of the region. Under the motto 'Natuurlijk Verleden', the 'Dag van de Gescheidis' takes place here, which is organized by the Gemeentearchief in collaboration with Natuurmonumenten. The day is free and registration is required. The offer includes various activities such as Vaarexcursies as well as walking excursions and an exciting lezing by the well-known Boswachter Arco Lassche.
An absolute highlight of the day is the exhibition “Vergeten Watersnoodramp”, which will be on display in the Watertoren in Sint Jansklooster. This exhibition talks about the devastating water emergency of February 1825, which severely affected the Steenwijkerland region and beyond. The frightening effects of this disaster have been forgotten in many places, but the exhibition aims to bring this chapter of history back to mind. The storm, which coincided with a spring tide, led to Dijkdoorbraken and massive flooding that not only devastated the landscape but also claimed 379 lives, 305 of them in Overijssel alone.
The forgotten tragedy
The fact that the February flood of 1825 has largely disappeared from collective memory is almost tragic. It hit the North Sea coast at a time when the country was still marked by the aftereffects of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic occupation, which meant that coastal protection and dike construction were neglected. The destruction was devastating: the sea penetrated deep into the land and devastated not only houses and farms, but also the livelihoods of many people. Communities such as Elburg, Oldebroek and Doornspijk were particularly affected, while in Harderwijk boats were able to navigate the flooded streets, making the picture even more frightening.
The northwest storm weather and the spring flood hit dikes that were already damaged, which increased the damage enormously. The exhibition not only highlights the immediate consequences, but also what lessons were learned from this catastrophe. After the destruction, not only was dike construction improved, but also measures to build flood mountains and the construction of the Afsluitdijk were initiated to prevent future disasters.
A legacy for the future
While people suffered great losses in 1825, the lessons learned from the disaster were essential building blocks for later coastal protection in the Netherlands. The exhibition also presents contemporary witness reports reconstructed from the Noord-Veluw archives. These reports, like those of the Pap family from Doornspijk, bring visitors closer to the emotions and daily life during the floods. The exhibition is not only a reminder of the past, but also creates a bridge to the present and asks what we can learn in 2025 from the approach of 200 years ago.
For anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of this natural disaster and its significant impact on the region, the exhibition from July 1 to September 21 offers the opportunity to delve into original documents, maps and reports. Visit the exhibition website to find out more about opening times and registration information: www.nm.nl/dewieden/activiteiten.