Museum de Proefkolonie

Discover the origins of our welfare state during a multimedia journey through time.

The year is 1818. Napoleon has left our country as the “Kingdom of the Poor.” Johannes van den Bosch, a socially conscious general, arrives as a savior in our hour of need. His ambitious plan aims to combat poverty in the Netherlands by establishing agricultural colonies. This is how the Society of Benevolence was founded. Poor city dwellers were welcomed in Southwest Drenthe and could count on work and shelter. Children were required to attend school, and the society had its own health insurance fund. With these social services, the Society of Benevolence was ahead of the rest of the Netherlands and is thus considered the cradle of our welfare state. 

See, experience, marvel 
Go back 200 years in time and experience this unique story of Johannes van den Bosch. At the new Museum De Proefkolonie in Frederiksoord, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the first colonists and experience their unforgettable story through a unique multimedia journey through time!  

Be sure to explore the outdoor museum as well 
From the museum, numerous walking and biking trails lead you past the historic heritage sites. Go on a discovery tour and see the colony cottages, the little church, the basket-weaving workshop, the forestry school, and the horticulture school! There are also various cycling and walking routes starting from Park Drentheland that tell the story of the colony. 

Combine your visit with a trip to the National Prison Museum. The stories complement each other perfectly.