On October 27, 2025, Ton Heijdra passed away. Ton wrote dozens of books about Amsterdam. He specialized in neighborhood histories, such as those about De Pijp, De Baarsjes, Bos en Lommer, and Nieuw-West. He also wrote extensively about the Amsterdam School. Together with his wife Alice Roegholt, he helped develop Museum Het Schip in the Spaarndammerbuurt.

When you think of Ton Heijdra, you first picture an incredibly kind man. Ton was tall, somewhat casually dressed, and usually on his bike. He was a striking figure. When meeting him, he was warm, usually cheerful, and always friendly and involved with the city. Ton was a golden man, and everyone who knew him will cherish dear memories and always carry him in their hearts.

Neighborhood Histories

Ton Heijdra became known for his many neighborhood histories, initially published by René de Milliano publishing. Through his books like ‘Victory Begins in Oud-West’, ‘De Pijp, Monument of a Neighborhood’, and ‘Simply Happy in Amsterdam East’, many Amsterdammers got to know the history of their neighborhoods. These informative and richly illustrated books brought the city’s history to life.

The Meadow Under the Street

Because he grew up on a farm, he always saw the meadow beneath the asphalt. Ton Heijdra in an interview for the West district: I come from a farm in Maasland near Vlaardingen, from a Catholic family with ten children. My father was a cattle farmer, a farmer. The family has lived in South Holland for generations; they never moved further. The countryside influenced me; I see that city history always starts there.

Amsterdam was originally a huge piece of countryside. You can still see that well because many structures in the city are shaped by old polders. The 19th and 20th-century neighborhoods are built on polders. For example, the structure of Oud-West is determined by the medieval City and Godshuis polder. The Jacob van Lennepkade and Jacob van Lennepstraat simply follow the old polder ditches.

Museum Het Schip

His interest shifted from neighborhood histories to the Amsterdam School. Together with his wife Alice Roegholt, he was at the foundation of Museum Het Schip in the famous 1921 residential complex by Michel de Klerk (1884-1923). With his involvement and knowledge, Heijdra made a huge contribution to what Museum Het Schip is today.

Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau

For his services to the museum, for increasing the recognition of the Amsterdam School, and for his contribution to the social, geographical, and architectural history of Amsterdam, he was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2024. A crown on his work. He was moved by this official recognition.

Michelin Star

Museum Het Schip grew partly thanks to Ton into a nationally and internationally recognized museum. This year, the museum even received a Michelin star. What began in 2001 as a small museum in the post office corner of the Michel de Klerk complex expanded in 2016 into a full-fledged institute in the former school building of the complex, thanks to his selfless dedication. During this period, Ton took care of research, concept development, publicity, and for many years, entirely voluntarily, the museums financial management.

Great Amsterdammer

Ton lived for over 20 years in a home in the Het Schip complex. He was a good neighbor and involved co-resident, always willing to share knowledge and contribute to the community. Not only his knowledge but also his personality made Ton beloved. He was known for his warmth, selflessness, and colorful, independent way of seeing things. He was averse to obedience and pompous intellectualism.

With Ton Heijdra, Amsterdam loses a remarkable, learned, and modest resident. He lives on in the memories of many, through his books and through Museum Het Schip.

A literally and figuratively ‘great Amsterdammer’ has passed away.

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Photo above article: Richard Mouw

Other photos: Amsterdam City Archives and Museum Het Schip