Local historian Ben de Graaf honored with Silver Button for preserving Lochem's past
Ben de Graaf, a dedicated amateur archaeologist, will receive the Silver Button Award for his 50-year effort in uncovering and documenting Lochem’s history. His work has brought the city’s past to life, offering residents a deeper connection to their heritage.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Recipient | Ben de Graaf |
| Award | Silver Button Award |
| Presented By | Mayor Frans Backhuijs |
| Location | Clubhouse De Veldmaat, Lochem |
| Date & Time | March 26, 2026, 3:30 PM |
| Organization | Historical Society (HG) Lochem |
| Years of Service | Nearly 50 years |
| Key Contributions | - Confirmed defensive works near Walderpoort |
| - Excavations at Huize Beukenstein revealing early habitation | |
| - Verified remnants of the 1615 city fire | |
| - Mapped medieval Lochem | |
| Collaborations | Dutch Heritage Agency |
The municipality of Lochem recognizes individuals who play a significant role in connecting the community to its history and culture. The Silver Button Award is a formal acknowledgment of such contributions, highlighting the importance of preserving local heritage. The Historical Society (HG) Lochem supports and promotes historical research and education in the region.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Silver Button Award for Ben de Graaf
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 3:30 PM, Mr. Ben de Graaf will receive a Silver Button Award. The award will be presented to him by Mayor Frans Backhuijs. The ceremony will take place at clubhouse De Veldmaat, the home of the Historical Society (HG), in Lochem. There, Ben will also receive the HG magazine ‘Land van Lochem,’ which includes an article about him. For nearly half a century, Ben has served as the coordinator and driving force behind historical discoveries as an amateur archaeologist. His efforts have significantly contributed to making the history of Lochem and its surroundings more visible. The municipal executive awards the Silver Button to him as a token of appreciation for this valuable contribution.
Through his research, Ben de Graaf has uncovered findings that confirmed assumptions or shed new light on the history of the city and region. He often conducted these investigations alone, but also collaborated with, for example, the Dutch Heritage Agency.
Archaeologist at heart
Fellow board members of the Historical Society describe him as follows: “Ben is an archaeologist at heart. For almost 50 years, he has conducted soil research in Lochem, both inside and outside the moats. Through his research and fieldwork, he has documented a wealth of archaeological finds and information from Lochem’s (earliest) past.” Some examples of his involvement include:
- Demonstrating the defensive works near the Walderpoort at the Westerwal;
- Excavations at Huize Beukenstein, which revealed information about the early habitation of the region;
- Confirming the actual remnants of the great city fire of 1615;
- Accurately mapping the structure of medieval Lochem.
Everything meticulously documented
According to his fellow board members, the great value Ben de Graaf has brought is his meticulous documentation of everything. “This is not always the case in the Netherlands. Museums and antiquity rooms often display finds, but the precise context is rarely recorded. Archaeology is about the story—what can we learn from this? How did people live and work in the past? Ben de Graaf has done this well, and that is truly his unique contribution to Lochem.”
The Silver Button symbolizes connection
According to the municipal executive, De Graaf’s work provides a connection to the past of the city of Lochem and the region. “His dedication and enthusiasm are truly exceptional and an inspiration to anyone seeking a connection between past and present.”
A token of appreciation
The Silver Button is a token of appreciation from the municipal executive for residents who play a connecting role in Lochem society. The design of the Silver Button was inspired by an idea from resident Ingrid Leufkens.