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Dutch Roots of New York City: From Waalstraat to Wall Street with Sabry Amroussi

Dutch Roots of New York City: From Waalstraat to Wall Street with Sabry Amroussi


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When the British wrested New Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664, the truth about its thriving, polyglot society began to disappear into myths about an island purchased for twenty-four dollars and a cartoonish peg-legged governor. But the story of the Dutch colony of New Netherland was merely lost, not destroyed. Twelve thousand pages of its records–recently declared a national treasure–are now being translated, and have brought to light some amazing historic facts.

The Dutch colony pre-dated the “original” thirteen colonies, yet it seems strikingly familiar. Its capital was cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic, and its citizens valued free trade, individual rights, and religious freedom. Their champion was a progressive, young lawyer named Adriaen van der Donck, who emerges in these pages as a forgotten American patriot and whose political vision brought him into conflict with Peter Stuyvesant, the autocratic director of the Dutch colony. The struggle between these two strong-willed men laid the foundation for New York City and helped shape American culture.

Led by an expert in art history, Sabry Amroussi, this Seminar will take us back to the 17th century to uncover this short-lived Dutch Colony. Featuring newly discovered stories, anecdotes and tales we’ll discover how this settlement proves to be one of the foundation stones of American society and culture.

Sabry Amroussi is an art historian and writer living and working in Amsterdam. He specializes in the art of the Dutch Golden Age, mainly in the works of Rembrandt and his school, and has a keen interest in the Jewish history of Amsterdam. He lectures and teaches on both subjects and gives art historical tours all across Europe. As a true omnivore when it comes to art, culture, and even cuisine, he has worked with and for major museums and collectors, such as the LACMA, Rijksmuseum, van Gogh Museum and the P de Boer collection in Amsterdam. As a guide for Context, he is eager to share this knowledge in real life, always with a big scoop of humor, ofter intermingling art with social life, cuisine, and history.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
92%
(11)
8%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
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M
Mary S (New York, US)
Insight into little known history

Always love Sabry's sessions, but this one was really animated. I appreciate a focus on a part of the New York and US history that is mostly not emphasized. Lots of food for thought too!

M
Marcia Singer (Milwaukee, US)

Highly recommend it! So interesting!

S
Sue Bredekamp (Hyattsville, US)

Guest did not leave comment

M
Mary S (Vancouver, CA)

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and a master storyteller, Sabry gives a fascinating account of the role of the Dutch in the early history of New York City.

A
Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
92%
(11)
8%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
Mary S (New York, US)
Insight into little known history

Always love Sabry's sessions, but this one was really animated. I appreciate a focus on a part of the New York and US history that is mostly not emphasized. Lots of food for thought too!

M
Marcia Singer (Milwaukee, US)

Highly recommend it! So interesting!

S
Sue Bredekamp (Hyattsville, US)

Guest did not leave comment

M
Mary S (Vancouver, CA)

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and a master storyteller, Sabry gives a fascinating account of the role of the Dutch in the early history of New York City.

A
Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment