Amsterdam: An Introduction with Alette Fleischer
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When around the year 1000 the first farmers and fishermen settled along the marshy embankment of the river Amstel, they could not have foreseen that a small settlement would turn into a true metropole in 600 years. It turned out to be a great location from which a regional and worldwide shipping network could grow. Via the seas and the rivers, large quantities of goods passed through Amsterdam.
From the 1500’s onward, Amsterdam expanded greatly, thanks to booming trade from the East and West, and a strong local currency. Amsterdam became famed for its tolerance and diversity and propagated itself as the center of the universe. The biggest distinguishing feature are the canals of Amsterdam, which are recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Here, the inhabitants lived in wealth, where there was justice for its citizens, care for the needy, and religious and philosophical freedom. In short, there was no better and safer place in the world you want to live in. This had an impact on the cultural identity of Amsterdam, which we can still see and feel today.
Led by an expert on Dutch cultural history, Alette Fleischer, this interactive seminar will inform you how Amsterdam became the center of the world in the seventeenth century (and its inhabitants believe it is still so today). Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding which set of circumstances helped to give the city its overall architectural design and its (temporary) world domination.
Amsterdam-born Alette Fleischer has a degree in Art History and a PhD in 17th Dutch History, focusing on gardens, science, and technology. She has curated several exhibitions, publishes articles, presents lectures, and a proud Context Expert. For Context Travel, Alette has led the Rijksmuseum tours many times. Motto: staying curious is key for being a good historian.
This conversation is suitable for all ages
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
The webinar was great introduction to Amsterdam providing several points of background information. Only so much can be provided in the limited time, but Alette did a good job of providing the high points. I look forward to visiting Amsterdam at some point, hopefully soon .
The presenter is a real expert who presents her knowledge clearly and well
Regretfully, our day was upended and we missed the Amsterdam. We were really looking forward to i...
This presentation was heavy on history. I was expecting it to focus more on present day Amsterdam and it’s architecture, culture including music, dance, art, etc., businesses, food, education including universities, relationships with other countries. and other aspects of current day life. It was probably my fault that I was unprepared for the focus on history although the name of the seminar could have made it more clear. Nevertheless, the information was interesting and well presented. Ms. Fleischer was very knowledgeable and presented the information very well and clearly.