Het Humanistisch Archief (The Dutch Humanist Archives) collects, preserves and makes accessible documents and documentation regarding the Humanist movement in the Netherlands from 1850 onward.

Het Humanistisch Archief was founded in 1996 as a joint initiative by:

* Universiteit voor Humanistiek (University for Humanist Studies)
* Humanitas (Humanist organization for social work)
* Humanistisch Verbond (Dutch Humanist League)
* De Vrije Gedachte (Dutch Freethinkers)

Objectives

A major aim of Het Humanistisch Archief is to preserve historical material and to make it available for scientific research. In addition, it collects and divulges information regarding the archives and the documentation.

Importance

Collected material could play an important role in the debate on the identity of the present-day Humanist movement. The preservation of the Humanist inheritance contributes to the creation of a balanced understanding of the historical, social and cultural development of the Netherlands.

Collection

The archives contain written and audio-visual material on individual humanists and Humanist organizations. This is supplemented by interviews with important members of the Humanist movement in the Netherlands. These interviews are registered on audio-tape.

Service Access:

Het Humanistisch Archief is open to everyone doing research on persons or organizations from the Humanist movement.
Facilities:

Het Humanistisch Archief is keeper of a growing collection of some sixty-plus archives. It keeps a list of places where other archives of the Humanist movement can be found. It advises those who on behalf of Humanist organizations perform tasks in the field of archives.
Dissemination of information:

In order to make knowledge of the history of the Humanist movement accessible to a wide audience, Het Humanistisch Archief regularly issues publications and organizes lectures and exhibitions.