About the project

The Biography Portal of the Netherlands is an online collection of reference works and data sets currently scattered over the internet, containing biographical information on notable persons in  Dutch history, from the earliest times until up to present. 

Content

The Biography Portal contains existing – in print as well as on line – collections and data sets with biographical information on inhabitants of the Netherlands from the earliest times until the present. The term ‘the Netherlands’ means: the regions lying within the present-day geographical borders of the Netherlands and those overseas regions that once were under Dutch rule to the colonial possessions of the Dutch (and only for these times of colonial rule). The term ‘inhabitants’ indicates people who were born in the Netherlands (even if they left the country and were mainly active abroad) and people from abroad who were active within the Netherlands. The Portal does not include people who are still alive. 

Organisation

The project is an initiative of ten research institutes in the humanities and the cultural heritage sector. The Institute of Dutch History will host the website and a foundation in which all participants are represented will ensure future maintenance. An editiorial board with academic specialists from all fields will be responsible for content policies.