The 25 Years Anniversary Reception, hosted by the Humanity House in The Hague, was a celebration to remember. With over 100 guests in attendance, the evening programme began around 17.30 with a welcome by Lisette Mattaar, Director of the Humanity House. Marijn Gunnink, policy officer at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and Teacher of history and social sciences at Valuas College in Venlo, then gave some opening remarks. These two speeches were followed by a ceremony for the Opening of the 25 Years Campaign of EuroClio, led by Vice President of the Board Mire Mladenoviski and EuroClio Founder and Special Advisor, Joke van der Leeuw-Roord.

Perhaps the most unexpected and special part of the evening was the surprise recognition of Dr. Robert Stradling for his excellent work spearheading the development of Historiana. For the past ten years, Bob has worked tirelessly to make Historiana into the innovative digital tool that it is today. Through remarks by Joke, EuroClio Director Jonathan Even-Zohar, and Director of the History Education Unit of the Council of Europe Tatiana Milko, Bob was celebrated for his efforts. As a gift for his unmatched hard work, he was given a painting by Els Thijsse depicting one of the most significant years in recent history, 1968.

After all of the speeches and celebratory remarks concluded, the walking dinner began. Guests meandered about the Humanity House, enjoying the live music by Quiet Colours, the good food, and the great company. In between long-awaited reunions of colleagues and friends, guests were able to participate in EuroClio’s three activity rooms at the event. In the ‘EuroClio and You’ Room, guests took photos with personalized frames and participated in interviews with members of our staff. In the ‘Key Moments and Memories’ Room, guests were able to relive some of the most significant elements of EuroClio’s past with a timeline and a PowerPoint with photographs. And the ‘Future of EuroClio’ Room allowed guests to share their input as to where EuroClio should go guest, both geographically and ideologically. Guests were also encouraged to visit the exhibition of the Humanity House, which tells stories of 8 refugees, now living in the Netherlands, from around the world.

At around 21.30, guests were encouraged to return to the auditorium to dance the rest of the evening away, and the event came to a close at 22.00.

Thank you to all who helped make the evening an unforgettable celebration of the first 25 years. We look forward to the next 25 years, and beyond!