Den Helder's Story Route wins bronze in national heritage award
Den Helder’s innovative Story Route at the General Cemetery has won third place in the Golden Terebinth awards, celebrating its blend of heritage, education, and local history. Residents can now explore the city’s past through engaging digital stories and walking trails.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | Third place in the Golden Terebinth 2026 |
| Prize | €250 and a certificate |
| Location | General Cemetery, Den Helder (Kerkhoflaan 1) |
| Nomination | By Helder Historical Monument Foundation |
| Project Leaders | Monique Markus (Neighbourhood Management), Henri Lüdwig (Team Manager) |
| Storytellers | Jack Ambriola, Maarten Noot |
| Format | Walking route with videos and podcasts |
| Website | verhalenbegraafplaatsdenhelder.nl |
The municipality of Den Helder plays a key role in preserving and promoting local heritage, often collaborating with foundations like the Terebinth Foundation to highlight historical sites. This project aligns with its mission to make cultural and educational initiatives accessible to the public.
Openrijk is free and ad-free
Do you value our work? Help us stay online with a small contribution.
Read the full translated article below
Third place for Story Route at Den Helder Cemetery
The Story Route at the General Cemetery in our municipality has secured third place in the award ceremony for the Golden Terebinth on Saturday, February 28, 2026. According to the jury, the project effectively demonstrates how heritage, education, and the city’s history can be brought together. Young and old are introduced to the stories of former residents in an enjoyable and educational way.
The prize was accepted by lifeboat hero Dorus Rijkers (as a well-known historical figure from the cemetery), along with Monique Markus (Neighbourhood Management advisor) and Henri Lüdwig (Neighbourhood Management team manager).
Nominated
In December 2025, the Terebinth Foundation announced that the city of Den Helder was one of three nominees. There were a total of seven submissions. The municipality had been nominated by the Helder Historical Monument Foundation, which praised the efforts behind the Story Route at the more than 400-year-old cemetery. Project leader Monique Markus describes the nomination as a wonderful recognition. The Story Route features special stories of notable residents, captured in videos and podcasts created by storytellers Jack Ambriola and Maarten Noot.
Accessible and educational
The jury notes that the Story Route encourages more people to discover and appreciate the cemetery and its history. As a result, the cemetery is not just a place for remembrance but also a space where people can gather and learn about the past of our municipality. The route combines a walking path with digital stories, making it easy to follow and accessible to many. The jury also sees opportunities to expand the route further and reach even more people, allowing the project to grow into a lasting and valuable part of Den Helder’s heritage.
Prize
The third-place award includes a certificate and a cheque for €250. The prize is awarded every two years by the Terebinth Foundation to an organization that makes an exceptional contribution to the preservation of historic cemeteries.
Information
The Story Route can be followed at the General Cemetery in Den Helder, located at Kerkhoflaan 1, or via the website: www.verhalenbegraafplaatsdenhelder.nl.