Standing in the heart of Haarlem, you can trace the legacy of a woman who became a symbol of resistance during World War II. Known as "the girl with the red hair," Hannie Schaft was a local woman who transformed from a law student into a daring underground fighter. Her story is one of courage and conviction, marked by her refusal to sign an oath of allegiance to the occupying German forces in 1943, which ultimately led her to join the Council of Resistance.
The Legacy of "the Girl with the Red Hair"
You can experience the weight of history through the story of Hannie Schaft. As a member of the resistance, she performed high-stakes tasks including sabotaging targets, distributing illegal newspapers, and smuggling documents. Her involvement was so significant that she appeared on the Nazis' most-wanted list. You can reflect on her defiant spirit—she famously chose to wear makeup and style her hair before missions, declaring she would "die clean and beautiful." Her story remains a powerful narrative of local heroism in Dutch history.
A Walk Through History
While the memory of Hannie Schaft is woven into the fabric of the city's identity, you can explore the physical remnants of Haarlem’s past in its historic center. You can visit:
- The Grote Markt to see the monumental Saint Bavo church and the statue of "Lautje," a local icon of book printing.
- The Hoofdwacht, one of the city's oldest monuments dating back to the 13th century.
- The various "hofjes" (almshouses) that dot the city, providing a glimpse into historical community living.
Capturing the Atmosphere
To fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, spend an afternoon wandering the streets of the center to see monumental buildings and historic architecture. For a deeper dive into the local history beyond the resistance narrative, you can visit nearby sites such as Teylers Museum or the Frans Hals Museum.
If you are looking for other ways to spend your time in Haarlem after visiting these historical landmarks, you might consider exploring the Draaiorgelmuseum Haarlem, the Frans Hals Museum Hal, Verwey Museum Haarlem, or the Teylers Museum.