Ever wonder about the lives of people who lived in North Holland centuries ago? Here at Huis van Hilde, we bring their stories to life. Huis van Hilde is North Holland’s archaeology information center. It is also a repository. The center opened in Castricum in 2015.
Huis van Hilde takes its name from a fascinating figure. She is a model and facial reconstruction of a skeleton. The skeleton dates back to the 4th century. She became known as Hilde of Castricum.
In the Netherlands, provinces preserve archaeological finds. North Holland used a rice mill in Wormer until 2014. That depot was too small with insufficient climate control. The province decided to build a new center in Castricum in 2011. Construction began in mid-2013.
The building itself is noteworthy. Fons Verheijen designed it with a curved facade. It is modeled after medieval farms found in North Holland. Huis van Hilde has 4200 square meters of floor space. 2200 square meters are dedicated to a climate-controlled repository.
Inside Huis van Hilde, discover a permanent exhibition. It showcases around 1000 finds. These finds date from the Neanderthal period onward. Highlights include medieval sarcophagi from Hem and Etersheim. You can also see three historical canoes. There are 14 human models. These models are based on skeletal finds. Huis van Hilde also hosts temporary exhibitions.
One special exhibit focuses on Hilde. In 1995, a skeleton was found during rescue archaeology in Castricum. It was the skeleton of a young woman. Research revealed she lived in the mid-4th century. She was 24 to 30 years old. She likely grew up in eastern Germany. Utrecht UMC scanned her skull. Anthropologist Maja d’Hollosy created a facial reconstruction. She named her Hilde. Hilde played a central role in a 2006 book. It was titled The Land of Hilde. A full model of Hilde was created.
The permanent exhibition puts people at the center. Lifelike human figures are made using modern techniques. The exhibition tells the history of North Holland chronologically. A new wing displays finds from the 17th century. See a cannon and two globes. Admire a ship model and sea trade finds. Two new human figures are also on display.
Huis van Hilde uses English, German, and Dutch for exhibit explanations. Most videos are available in these languages too.
Huis van Hilde is located on Westerplein in Castricum. It is easily accessible. You can reach it by public transport. Bicycles, scooters, and cars are also good options. Parking is free.
Huis van Hilde offers a journey through time. It connects us to the people who shaped North Holland. It encourages us to reflect on their lives and legacies. Take a moment to appreciate the rich history. It lies beneath our feet. It comes to life within these walls of Huis van Hilde.