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HISTORICAL COLLECTION · ASSOCIATION FOUNDED IN 1958

The history of Crematoriumvereniging Nederland

An emblem, a letterhead and the stories behind the first building projects. This independent website collects documents, photographs and memories of the association.

This is a historical research project. For current funeral arrangements, please contact a funeral director or crematorium.

Share a document or memory Explore the timeline

View the original emblem at full size
Collection item · date unknown.

Letterhead of Crematoriumvereniging Nederland
Date unknown. The printed address and telephone number are historical; please use the contact form for this collecting project.
Printed text: “Crematoriumvereniging Nederland · Riouwstraat 186 · Den Haag · Telefoon 55 47 97 · Postgiro 000000”.
View the letterhead at full size

An association in a changing Netherlands

Behind the familiar emblem was a partnership that made new crematoria possible. These are some key moments in its history.

  1. 1958 · A joint beginning

    Crematoriumvereniging Nederland was founded in 1958 to build, maintain and operate crematoria. Its first board included representatives of the Vereniging voor Facultatieve Crematie in The Hague and the Vereniging voor Crematie A.V.V.L. in Amsterdam.

  2. 1959–1960 · The first project, in Groningen

    The association’s first construction project was Crematorium Groningen. Architect A.H. Wegerif designed a low building with extensive glazing, a garden and a pond. After Westerveld and Dieren, it was the third crematorium in the Netherlands. The Cultural Heritage Agency dates its construction to 1959–1960; Schagen’s anniversary magazine gives 1962 as the opening year.

    Crematorium Groningen with its garden and pond, 4 June 2011

    Groningen, 4 June 2011. Photograph: Wutsje · CC BY-SA 3.0. The photograph shows the building in 2011.

  3. 1973 · A crematorium in Schagen

    The first plans in Schagen date from 1968. The association commissioned P.H. Tauber to design the building and P. Blaauboer to design the landscape. Construction began in 1972, followed by the official opening on 25 May 1973.

Can you add to the story?

I am looking for photographs, brochures, annual reports, minutes and documents about the association and its building projects. A name for a photograph or a memory of work behind the scenes can help too.

You do not need to sell or give anything away. A description, scan or archival lead is welcome. Please include the date, place or occasion if you know it.

Original emblem of Crematoriumvereniging Nederland; date unknown

Share a memory or document

Letterhead of Crematoriumvereniging Nederland; historical address and telephone number; date unknown

Sources for the story

Construction dates and opening years are stated separately. Further information about the association’s full history and the dates of the illustrated printed material is welcome.

About this website and your privacy

This is a private historical project about Crematoriumvereniging Nederland. Please use the form to contact this website; old addresses and telephone numbers are not current contact details.

Your name, email address and message are used to reply. Personal stories or submitted material are published only by agreement. Please do not send confidential information.