On the 400th anniversary of Dutch settlers’ arrival in what is now New York City, the Netherlands Consulate General in New York launched Future 400. This two-year program aims to address the complex legacy of this historical moment through a series of events that span performances, exhibitions, and public discussions. Birgitta Tazelaar, the Kingdom of the Netherlands ambassador to the United States, emphasized the initiative’s commitment to confronting the past with honesty, stating, “We cannot change the past, but we can face up to it.”
Future 400 seeks to celebrate the rich cultural history of New York and its ties with the Netherlands while acknowledging the darker aspects of its history, including the displacement of Indigenous people and the introduction of slavery in the New World. The initiative was introduced at a gathering at the National Museum of the American Indian, bringing together artists, scholars, and community leaders from both New York City and the Netherlands. This significant anniversary is not just a moment of reflection but also an opportunity to “write the next chapter of our shared story,” according to the Consulate.
Among the highlighted events are a free guided tour of the “New York Before New York: The Castello Plan of New Amsterdam” exhibit at the New-York Historical Society, and the Tulip Day celebration where 200,000 tulips will adorn Union Square Park. These events, along with discussions that center Indigenous and Black voices, underscore the multifaceted approach of Future 400 to honor the past while fostering a dialogue about reconciliation and future collaboration.
The initiative has drawn attention to the need for a nuanced understanding of historical events, with Dutch officials and historians acknowledging the complexities of colonial history. The Future 400 events will run through 2024 and 2025, with programming across historic landmarks in New York City and the Netherlands, aiming to engage a broad audience in a comprehensive exploration of the enduring impact of Dutch settlers in New York and the legacy of colonialism. This ambitious program promises to offer insights into a pivotal chapter of history, encouraging a candid and inclusive examination of its lasting effects on contemporary life.
