80 years of freedom in Ommen

Exhibitions and education

Historical Museum Ommen (from April)↵.

The Historical Museum Ommen shows an extensive collection about the Second World War in Ommen, including a new photo exhibition about the liberation. Special attention is paid to Camp Erika, which played a notorious role in this period. In April, schoolchildren from Vechtdal College will be taken into the stories of war and liberation during educational tours.

Exhibition 80 Years of Freedom - Rijwielmuseum Ommen (April-May)↵.

This unique exhibition highlights the role of bicycles in wartime. On display are, among others, a bicycle of the resistance, a men's bicycle from the Hunger Winter with solid rubber tires and a British military bicycle of a Canadian soldier. QR codes provide visitors with additional information about the exhibits.

Impressive theater and film

The Root of Grass - April 9, Theater Carrousel Ommen

A gripping performance about the persecution of Jews and the role of labor camps in the Netherlands, with special attention to labor camp Arriën near Ommen. The performance outlines the fate of thousands of Jewish forced laborers and their deportation to Auschwitz. Musical accompaniment and eyewitness stories make this performance an impressive experience.

Film & Exhibition Behind the Silence Lemele 40-45 - April 10, De Schakel Lemele↵.

This special film shows never-before-seen footage of Lemele during the war years. There is also an exhibition of original photographs, documents and objects from World War II, providing a unique glimpse into life in Lemele between 1940 and 1945.

Memory and Experience

Passing Liberation Fire - April 11, Lemele

On April 11, a group of Lemeleans continues the historic Black Watch Trail, the route taken by the Canadian liberators in 1945. At Nieuwe Brug, the symbolic liberation fire will be handed over to volunteers from association Rond de Regge, who will carry the fire further.

Bike Tour 80 Years of Freedom - April 11 & 12, start Bicycle Museum Ommen↵.

This bicycle tour of 11 kilometers takes you past places that played an important role in the war and in the liberation of Ommen. Accompanied by a guide, stories are told about Camp Erika, a crashed plane and the role of the resistance, among other things. Participants thus get a complete picture of the impact of the war on Ommen and its surroundings.

Horeca Out in Ommen - April 12, Market Ommen↵.

The Market in Ommen will celebrate the liberation with a grand musical performance. The exact lineup will be announced later, but the evening promises to be an atmospheric and festive conclusion to the commemorative activities.

Swimmathon - 80 lanes in freedom - April 28-May 5, Open Air Pool Olde Vechte Ommen↵.

During this special sporting challenge, participants swim 80 lanes, individually or in groups, as a symbol of the 80 years of freedom we know today. Participants will receive free admission to the pool and a reward from the hot bakery for completing the challenge.

Requiem by Fauré - May 4, Reformed Church Ommen

Following the national Remembrance of the Dead on May 4, the Sallands Bach Choir will perform Gabriel Fauré's impressive Requiem. This moving piece of music, which exudes a sense of comfort and peace, offers a moment of reflection on the eve of Liberation Day.

Raising flags in Lemele - April 10

On April 10, the Liberation Day of Lemele, Archem and Dalmsholte, the Dutch, Canadian and Ommer flags will be raised in front of the church in Lemele. Ichthus Elementary School will contribute to the ceremony, and residents are urged to also hang out the flag at home as a tribute to the liberators.

Learn more.

This is just a selection from the extensive program. For more information, visit the websites of the locations listed, www.ommen.nl/80jaarvrijheid or www.welkominommen.nl/80jaarvrijheid for an up to date overview of activities. Let us reflect together on 80 years of freedom and pass on this precious value to the next generations.