Six Nominees for the 2026 Aalten Municipality Heritage Award

The foundation is committed to preserving and restoring the former Aalten model railroad panorama. The old trains—best known from ’t Noorden but built by Bernard Buesink—are also under the foundation’s care, and the foundation plans to restore them to working order in the future.

This property in Dinxperlo is a historic heritage home with a rich history; it was originally built as a farmhouse in 1892 and later expanded into a mansion in 1912. The house has served various purposes, including as a bank building (Rotterdamsche Bank), an antique shop, and a residence. The owners are actively working on renovating and making the property more sustainable, while respecting its original architecture and character.

Raadhuisstraat 5 is a distinctive, large detached home in the center of Dinxperlo. The property had been vacant for years. In 2025, the current residents completely restored the property, returning it to its original condition.

With their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and hospitality, Bredevoort’s city guides bring the town’s rich history to life for both visitors and residents. During guided tours, they share the stories behind the fortifications, historic buildings, and old trade routes, and show how the past is still visible in the town’s current landscape. 

In recent years, Vincent Schreurs has contributed to the preservation and adaptive reuse of heritage sites in Aalten and the Achterhoek through numerous projects. For the Oosterkerk, he designed a thoughtful adaptive reuse plan to transform the church into a residential care facility. For the National Hiding Place Museum, he created the design for the expansion and connection of several historic buildings. For De Welsker farm, he oversaw the design and supervision of the restoration and renovation.

The Old St. Helena Church is the oldest building in Aalten and a national historic monument with a history dating back to the early Middle Ages. Since 1986, the Old St. Helena Church Restoration Fund Foundation has been dedicated to preserving this monument. It also fosters residents’ engagement with the town’s heritage through publications and activities.