Amersfoort honors local historian Jan Carel van Dijk with St. George’s Medal for lifelong dedication
Amersfoort has awarded Jan Carel van Dijk the St. George’s Medal for his 45-year commitment to preserving and sharing the city’s history. His 25 books and public engagement have made local heritage accessible to thousands, enriching cultural life for residents and visitors alike.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Award | St. George’s Medal (municipal distinction) |
| Recipient | Jan Carel van Dijk, historical author |
| Presented by | Mayor Lucas Bolsius (Amersfoort) |
| Date | March 24, 2026 |
| Books published | 25 (first in 1981, latest in 2025) |
| Recent works (2025) | Amersfoort eten & drinken (picture book), Het verhaal van de Berg (villa district) |
| Affiliations | Amersfoort Historical Association (OVF), Living History Foundation, Volksuniversiteit |
| Roles | Author, lecturer, board secretary (OVF, 2013–2022), honorary OVF member |
| Location | Amersfoort, Utrecht province |
The city of Amersfoort awards the St. George’s Medal to individuals who make exceptional contributions to local culture, heritage, or civic life. This recognition underscores the municipality’s role in preserving and promoting regional identity through public engagement and historical education. The Amersfoort Historical Association (OVF) collaborates with the city to document and celebrate its past.
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Read the full translated article below
St. George’s Medal awarded to Jan Carel van Dijk, historical author
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Mr. Jan Carel van Dijk received the St. George’s Medal from the city of Amersfoort, presented by Mayor Lucas Bolsius during the General Members’ Meeting of the Amersfoort Historical Association (OVF). He was awarded the municipal distinction for his significant contributions to the history, education, and heritage of Amersfoort.
Mr. Van Dijk has written 25 books about Amersfoort, ranging from historical works to themed books for a broad audience. His first book, “Lustrumboek Mars et Historia – Amersfoort en WOI,” was published in 1981. His most recent two books were released on October 27, 2025: in the morning, his third PLUS picture book, titled “Amersfoort eten & drinken” (Amersfoort Eating & Drinking), and in the afternoon, his 25th book, “Het verhaal van de Berg. Villawijk van Amersfoort” (The Story of De Berg: The Villa District of Amersfoort).
Connector
Mr. Van Dijk is a highly sought-after speaker and a go-to contact for organizations such as the OVF, the Living History Foundation, the Volksuniversiteit (People’s University), Gilde Amersfoort, VVV Amersfoort, and Citymarketing. He actively participates in lectures, public events, educational projects, and city-wide thematic programs, such as Amersfoort Garnizoen in 2025. From 2013 to 2022, he served as secretary on the board of the Amersfoort Historical Association. In recognition of his dedication, he was awarded honorary membership of the association upon his departure.
Author and Lecturer
He regularly contributes to publications such as Kroniek, Tijdschrift voor Historisch Amersfoort (Journal for Historical Amersfoort), and the magazine De Raddraaier. Additionally, he has served as a guest lecturer for the Volksuniversiteit’s course “Het Verhaal van Amersfoort” (The Story of Amersfoort) in 2024, 2025, and again in 2026.