Dutch Americans History and Culture

Dutch Americans are people in the United States who have ancestors from the Netherlands or the Flemish region of Belgium. The first Dutch settlers came to America in 1624 and established a colony called New Netherland, which included parts of present-day New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The colony was later taken over by the English in 1664 and renamed New York. The Dutch influence can still be seen in the names of places, such as Brooklyn, Harlem, Staten Island, and the Bronx, as well as in the culture and traditions of some Dutch American communities.

According to the 2021 American Community Survey, about 3.1 million Americans reported having some or total Dutch ancestry, while about 884,857 Americans reported having only Dutch ancestry. In 2021, about 113,634 Dutch Americans were born outside the United States (mostly in Europe). The 2009-2013 survey estimated that about 141,580 people aged 5 and above spoke Dutch at home, which was about 0.0486% of the total US population. In 2021, about 95.3% of the Dutch American population aged 5 and above spoke only English at home.

Some of the most prominent Dutch American political figures include Presidents Martin Van Buren, Warren G. Harding, and Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as Founding Fathers Egbert Benson and John Jay. Other notable Dutch Americans include Senators Philip Schuyler, Nicholas Van Dyke, Hamilton Fish, John C. Ten Eyck, Daniel W. Voorhees, Arthur Vandenberg, Peter G. Van Winkle, Alan Simpson, Fred Thompson, John Hoeven, and Christopher Van Hollen, Governors John Hickenlooper, Harold G. Hoffman, Thomas Kean, William Henry Vanderbilt III, George Bell Timmerman Jr., and Cornelius P. Van Ness, and many others.

Today, most of the Dutch Americans live in states such as California, New York, Michigan, Iowa, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. They are mostly Protestant, with some Roman Catholic and other religious affiliations. They have contributed to various aspects of American society, such as art, literature, science, business, sports, and entertainment. They have also maintained some of their cultural heritage, such as celebrating Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas Day) on December 5, eating Dutch foods, such as stroopwafels (syrup waffles), hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), and erwtensoep (pea soup), and participating in Dutch festivals, such as Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan.

Dutch Americans are proud of their roots and their achievements in America. They have a strong sense of community and family, and value hard work, education, and freedom. They are also open to diversity and innovation, and have adapted to the changing times and circumstances. They are an integral part of the American mosaic, and have enriched the nation with their culture and history.

A painting depicting the arrival of the first Dutch people in New York in 1624, symbolizing the beginning of the history of the Dutch Americans.

History of Dutch Americans

The history of Dutch Americans can be traced back to the early 17th century, when the Dutch established a colony called New Netherland in the area that is now New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The Dutch were among the first European settlers in North America, and they brought with them their culture, religion, language, and trade skills. They also interacted with the Native Americans, the English, the French, and other colonial powers, sometimes peacefully and sometimes violently.

The Dutch colony of New Netherland was ruled by the Dutch West India Company, which granted land patents to wealthy merchants and investors, known as patroons, who recruited settlers to work on their estates. The most famous patroon was Kiliaen van Rensselaer, who owned a large tract of land along the Hudson River, known as Rensselaerswyck. The Dutch also founded several towns and villages, such as New Amsterdam (later New York City), Beverwijck (later Albany), Fort Orange (later Albany), Fort Nassau (later Gloucester City), and New Amstel (later New Castle).

The Dutch colony faced many challenges and conflicts, such as wars with the Native Americans, especially the Algonquian tribes, who resisted the Dutch encroachment on their lands and resources. The Dutch also fought with the English, who claimed the same territory as part of their colonies of Virginia and New England. In 1664, the English sent a fleet to capture New Netherland, and the Dutch governor, Peter Stuyvesant, surrendered without much resistance. The English renamed the colony New York, after the Duke of York, who was the brother of King Charles II. The Dutch briefly regained control of the colony in 1673, during the Third Anglo-Dutch War, but they ceded it back to the English in 1674, in exchange for Suriname in South America.

The Dutch settlers who remained in the colony after the English takeover faced discrimination and oppression from the English authorities, who tried to impose their laws, religion, and language on them. The Dutch resisted these attempts, and maintained their own identity and culture. They also intermarried with other ethnic groups, such as the Germans, the French, the Scots, the Irish, and the Africans, creating a diverse and multicultural society. Some of the Dutch moved to other colonies, such as Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, where they found more religious freedom and economic opportunities.

The Dutch Americans played an important role in the American Revolution, as they supported the cause of independence from Britain. Many of them joined the Continental Army, such as Philip Schuyler, Nicholas Herkimer, and Henry Laurens. Some of them also signed the Declaration of Independence, such as Francis Lewis and Lewis Morris. Others served as diplomats, such as John Adams, who negotiated a treaty of alliance and commerce with the Netherlands in 1782. The Dutch also provided financial and military aid to the American rebels, such as the loan of five million guilders from the Dutch bankers, and the naval battles between the Dutch and the British fleets in the Caribbean and the North Sea.

After the American Revolution, the Dutch Americans continued to contribute to the development and growth of the United States, in various fields such as politics, business, science, art, literature, religion, and education. Some of the most prominent Dutch American presidents were Martin Van Buren, the first president of Dutch descent, Warren G. Harding, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Other notable Dutch Americans include Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Edison, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Henry Ford, Herman Melville, Washington Irving, Norman Rockwell, and many others.

Today, the Dutch Americans are one of the largest and oldest ethnic groups in the United States, with about 3.1 million people claiming some or total Dutch ancestry, according to the 2021 American Community Survey. ¹ They are mostly concentrated in the states of California, New York, Michigan, Iowa, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. ² They are also proud of their heritage and culture, and celebrate their traditions, such as Sinterklaas, Tulip Time, and Dutch foods. They are also active in various social, civic, and religious organizations, such as the Dutch American Heritage Foundation, the Holland Society of New York, the Reformed Church in America, and the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

Modern Era of Dutch Americans

The modern era of Dutch Americans began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when a new wave of immigration from the Netherlands occurred, mainly due to economic, social, and religious reasons. Many of the new immigrants were farmers, who settled in rural areas of the Midwest and the West, especially in Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. They brought with them their skills, traditions, and values, such as thrift, industry, piety, and community. They also established churches, schools, newspapers, and other institutions to preserve and promote their Dutch identity and culture.

Some of the new immigrants were also urban workers, who settled in cities such as New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles. They worked in various industries, such as manufacturing, transportation, and commerce. They faced challenges such as assimilation, discrimination, and poverty, but they also contributed to the social and cultural diversity of the American society. They participated in labor unions, political parties, social movements, and civic organizations. They also embraced new opportunities, such as education, entertainment, and sports.

During the World Wars, the Dutch Americans showed their loyalty and patriotism to the United States, as they fought in the armed forces, supported the war efforts, and aided the Dutch resistance against the Nazi occupation. They also welcomed and helped the Dutch refugees and survivors who came to America after the wars. They maintained strong ties with their homeland, and supported its recovery and development. They also celebrated its achievements, such as the liberation, the independence of Indonesia, and the membership in the European Union.

In the postwar era, the Dutch Americans continued to flourish and prosper in the United States, as they diversified their occupations, education, and lifestyles. They also expanded their geographic distribution, as they moved to other states, such as California, Florida, Texas, and Arizona. They became more integrated and assimilated into the American mainstream, while still retaining some of their distinctive features and heritage. They also became more aware and appreciative of their multicultural and multiracial backgrounds, as they intermarried with other ethnic and racial groups, such as the African Americans, the Native Americans, the Hispanics, and the Asians.

Today, the Dutch Americans are one of the largest and oldest ethnic groups in the United States, with about 3.1 million people claiming some or total Dutch ancestry, according to the 2021 American Community Survey.  They are mostly concentrated in the states of California, New York, Michigan, Iowa, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.  They are also proud of their heritage and culture, and celebrate their traditions, such as Sinterklaas, Tulip Time, and Dutch foods. They are also active in various social, civic, and religious organizations, such as the Dutch American Heritage Foundation, the Holland Society of New York, the Reformed Church in America, and the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

The First Dutch Settlers in America

The first Dutch settlers in America were explorers and traders who came to the New World in search of new routes and markets for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the Dutch West India Company (WIC). They followed the voyages of Henry Hudson, an English navigator who sailed for the VOC in 1609 and discovered the Hudson River and the surrounding lands, which he claimed for the Dutch.

The first Dutch settlement in America was Fort Nassau, built in 1614 on Castle Island near present-day Albany, New York. It was a trading post that exchanged goods with the Native Americans, especially furs, which were highly valued in Europe. The fort was abandoned in 1617 due to flooding and conflicts with the natives.

In 1621, the WIC was chartered by the Dutch government to colonize and exploit the lands between the Delaware and Connecticut rivers, which were named New Netherland. The WIC sent more settlers, soldiers, and ships to establish forts and towns along the Hudson River and the Atlantic coast. The most important and famous of these was New Amsterdam, founded in 1624 on the southern tip of Manhattan Island. It became the capital and the commercial center of New Netherland, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds and religions.

The Dutch settlers in America faced many challenges and difficulties, such as harsh weather, diseases, food shortages, and hostile neighbors. They had to deal with the Native Americans, who were sometimes allies and sometimes enemies, depending on the trade and land disputes. They also had to compete and fight with other European powers, especially the English, who claimed the same territory and coveted the Dutch trade and wealth. The Dutch colony of New Netherland was eventually conquered by the English in 1664, after a brief and bloodless war. The English renamed the colony New York, after the Duke of York, who was the brother of King Charles II.

The Dutch settlers who remained in the colony after the English takeover retained some of their rights and privileges, such as freedom of religion, trade, and local government. They also preserved some of their culture and identity, such as their language, customs, names, and architecture. They intermarried with other ethnic groups, such as the English, the Germans, the French, and the Africans, creating a diverse and multicultural society. They also contributed to the development and growth of the colony and the nation, in various fields such as politics, business, science, art, literature, and education. Some of the most prominent and influential Dutch Americans in history include the presidents Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, the founding fathers John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, the inventor Thomas Edison, the businessman Cornelius Vanderbilt, the writer Washington Irving, and the painter Rembrandt Peale.

Significant Immigration Waves of Dutch Americans

The Dutch immigration to America can be divided into three major waves: the colonial era, the 19th century, and the 20th century. Each wave had different motives, characteristics, and impacts on the Dutch American population and culture.

The colonial era: The first wave of Dutch immigration occurred in the 17th century, when the Dutch established a colony called New Netherland in the area that is now New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The Dutch colonists were mainly traders, farmers, artisans, and soldiers, who came to seek economic opportunities and religious freedom in the New World. They also brought with them their culture, language, religion, and laws, which influenced the development of the region. The Dutch colony was conquered by the English in 1664, and the Dutch settlers became a minority in the newly renamed New York and New Jersey. However, they retained some of their rights and identity, and intermarried with other ethnic groups, creating a diverse and multicultural society. Some of the most prominent Dutch Americans in history, such as the presidents Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the founding fathers John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, were descendants of the colonial Dutch settlers.

The 19th century: The second wave of Dutch immigration occurred in the 19th century, mainly due to economic, social, and religious reasons. Many of the immigrants were farmers, who settled in rural areas of the Midwest and the West, especially in Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. They brought with them their skills, traditions, and values, such as thrift, industry, piety, and community. They also established churches, schools, newspapers, and other institutions to preserve and promote their Dutch identity and culture. Some of the immigrants were also urban workers, who settled in cities such as New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles. They worked in various industries, such as manufacturing, transportation, and commerce. They faced challenges such as assimilation, discrimination, and poverty, but they also contributed to the social and cultural diversity of the American society. They participated in labor unions, political parties, social movements, and civic organizations. They also embraced new opportunities, such as education, entertainment, and sports.

The 20th century: The third wave of Dutch immigration occurred in the 20th century, mainly due to the World Wars, the Indonesian independence, and the European integration. Many of the immigrants were refugees and survivors who came to America after the wars, seeking safety and stability. They also brought with them their skills, knowledge, and experiences, which enriched the American society. They maintained strong ties with their homeland, and supported its recovery and development.

They also celebrated its achievements, such as the liberation, the independence of Indonesia, and the membership in the European Union. Some of the immigrants were also professionals and students who came to America for education and career opportunities. They also brought with them their innovation, creativity, and diversity, which enhanced the American society. They became more integrated and assimilated into the American mainstream, while still retaining some of their distinctive features and heritage. They also became more aware and appreciative of their multicultural and multiracial backgrounds, as they intermarried with other ethnic and racial groups.

Acculturation and Assimilation of Dutch Americans

Acculturation and assimilation are two processes of cultural change that occur when individuals or groups encounter a new culture. Acculturation involves adopting some aspects of the new culture, while retaining one's original identity. Assimilation involves completely adopting the new culture, and losing one's previous identity.

Dutch Americans have experienced both acculturation and assimilation throughout their history in America. The first Dutch settlers in the 17th century were mostly acculturated, as they adapted to the English rule and the multicultural environment of New York and New Jersey, but also maintained their language, religion, and customs. They also intermarried with other ethnic groups, creating a diverse and hybrid society.

The second wave of Dutch immigrants in the 19th century were more assimilated, as they moved to rural areas of the Midwest and the West, where they faced pressure to conform to the dominant American culture. They also adopted the English language, the Protestant faith, and the American values of democracy, individualism, and capitalism. They also participated in the social and political life of the nation, such as the labor movement, the temperance movement, and the abolitionist movement.

The third wave of Dutch immigrants in the 20th century were more acculturated, as they came to America for various reasons, such as escaping the World Wars, seeking education and career opportunities, or joining family members. They also brought with them their skills, knowledge, and innovation, which enriched the American society. They maintained strong ties with their homeland, and supported its recovery and development. They also celebrated their heritage and culture, and joined various Dutch American organizations and institutions.

Today, Dutch Americans are one of the largest and oldest ethnic groups in the United States, with about 3.1 million people claiming some or total Dutch ancestry, according to the 2021 American Community Survey.  They are mostly concentrated in the states of California, New York, Michigan, Iowa, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.  They are also proud of their heritage and culture, and celebrate their traditions, such as Sinterklaas, Tulip Time, and Dutch foods. They are also active in various social, civic, and religious organizations, such as the Dutch American Heritage Foundation, the Holland Society of New York, the Reformed Church in America, and the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

Culture of Dutch Americans

The culture of Dutch Americans is a blend of the traditions, values, and customs of their ancestors from the Netherlands and the influences of the American society. The Dutch Americans have contributed to various aspects of American culture, such as art, literature, science, business, sports, and entertainment. They have also maintained some of their cultural heritage, such as celebrating Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas Day) on December 5, eating Dutch foods, such as stroopwafels (syrup waffles), hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), and erwtensoep (pea soup), and participating in Dutch festivals, such as Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan.

Some of the characteristics of Dutch American culture are:

Religion: The Dutch Americans are mostly Protestant, with some Roman Catholic and other religious affiliations. ³ The most common denominations are the Reformed Church in America and the Christian Reformed Church in North America, which trace their origins to the Dutch Reformed Church that emerged from the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. The Dutch Americans value their religious freedom and tolerance, and have been involved in various social and political causes, such as abolitionism, temperance, civil rights, and environmentalism. 

Language: The Dutch Americans speak English as their primary language, but some also speak Dutch at home or in their communities. According to the 2009-2013 survey, about 141,580 people aged 5 and above spoke Dutch at home, which was about 0.0486% of the total US population.  The Dutch language has also influenced the American English vocabulary, especially in the areas of New York and New Jersey, where the Dutch colonized in the 17th century. Some examples of words of Dutch origin are: cookie, boss, waffle, coleslaw, stoop, and yacht. 

Art and Literature: The Dutch Americans have produced many notable artists and writers, who have enriched the American culture with their creativity and innovation. Some examples of Dutch American artists are: Rembrandt Peale, a painter and museum founder; Willem de Kooning, an abstract expressionist painter; Piet Mondrian, a pioneer of modern art; and Audrey Hepburn, a film actress and humanitarian. Some examples of Dutch American writers are: Washington Irving, the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle; Herman Melville, the author of Moby-Dick and Billy Budd; Edna Ferber, the author of Show Boat and Giant; and Dr. Seuss, the author of The Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 

Science and Business: The Dutch Americans have also excelled in the fields of science and business, where they have made significant discoveries and inventions, and founded successful enterprises. Some examples of Dutch American scientists are: Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera; Robert J. Van de Graaff, the inventor of the Van de Graaff generator; and James Van Allen, the discoverer of the Van Allen radiation belts. Some examples of Dutch American businessmen are: Cornelius Vanderbilt, a railroad and shipping tycoon; Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company; and John D. Rockefeller, the founder of the Standard Oil Company. 

Sports and Entertainment: The Dutch Americans have also participated and entertained in various sports and entertainment fields, where they have shown their talent and charisma. Some examples of Dutch American athletes are: Babe Ruth, a baseball legend; Johnny Weismuller, an Olympic swimmer and actor; and Tom Brady, a football quarterback. Some examples of Dutch American entertainers are: Bruce Springsteen, a rock singer and songwriter; Dick Van Dyke, a comedian and actor; and Marlon Brando, a film actor and director.

Cuisine of Dutch Americans

The cuisine of Dutch Americans reflects the culinary traditions and influences of their ancestors from the Netherlands, as well as the adaptations and innovations of their life in America. The Dutch Americans have a rich and diverse food culture, which includes various dishes, snacks, desserts, and beverages. Some of the characteristics of Dutch American cuisine are:

Dairy products: The Dutch Americans are known for their consumption and production of dairy products, such as cheese, butter, milk, and yogurt. Cheese is especially popular, and there are many varieties of Dutch cheese, such as Gouda, Edam, Leyden, and Maasdam. Cheese is often eaten as a snack, with bread or crackers, or as an ingredient in dishes, such as cheese soup, cheese fondue, and cheese croquettes. Butter is also widely used, especially in baking, such as butter cookies, butter cake, and butter tarts. Milk and yogurt are often consumed as beverages, or mixed with fruits, cereals, or honey.

Bread and pastries: The Dutch Americans are also fond of bread and pastries, which are usually baked at home or bought from bakeries. Bread is a staple food, and there are many types of bread, such as white bread, rye bread, whole wheat bread, and raisin bread. Bread is often eaten for breakfast, with butter, jam, cheese, or hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles). Pastries are also common, and there are many kinds of pastries, such as stroopwafels (syrup waffles), poffertjes (mini pancakes), oliebollen (oil balls), appeltaart (apple pie), and speculaas (spiced cookies). Pastries are often eaten as desserts, or as treats for special occasions, such as Sinterklaas, Christmas, and New Year.

Meat and fish: The Dutch Americans also enjoy meat and fish, which are usually cooked in simple ways, such as roasting, frying, boiling, or stewing. Meat is often served with potatoes and vegetables, or made into soups, stews, or pies. Some of the common meats are beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. Some of the traditional meat dishes are hutspot (mashed potatoes with carrots and onions), hachee (beef stew with vinegar and spices), and erwtensoep (pea soup with pork and sausage). Fish is also popular, especially herring, cod, eel, and salmon. Some of the traditional fish dishes are Hollandse nieuwe haring (soused herring), kibbeling (fried cod nuggets), paling (smoked eel), and zalm (salmon).

Vegetables and fruits: The Dutch Americans also consume a variety of vegetables and fruits, which are usually grown in their own gardens or farms, or bought from markets or stores. Vegetables are often boiled, mashed, or pickled, or added to soups, stews, or salads. Some of the common vegetables are cabbage, kale, carrots, turnips, beets, and onions. Some of the traditional vegetable dishes are boerenkool (mashed potatoes with kale), zuurkool (sauerkraut), rode kool (red cabbage), and hutspot. Fruits are often eaten fresh, or made into jams, pies, or cakes. Some of the common fruits are apples, pears, cherries, plums, and berries. Some of the traditional fruit dishes are appeltaart, perentaart (pear pie), kersenvlaai (cherry tart), and pruimentaart (plum pie).

Beverages: The Dutch Americans also have a range of beverages, which include hot drinks, cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks. Hot drinks are usually coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, which are often served with milk and sugar, or with pastries or cookies. Coffee is especially popular, and the Dutch Americans are known for their coffee culture, which involves drinking coffee throughout the day, and inviting guests for coffee and conversation. Cold drinks are usually water, milk, juice, or soda, which are often served with meals or snacks. Alcoholic drinks are usually beer, wine, or spirits, which are often consumed in moderation, or on special occasions. Beer is the most common alcoholic drink, and there are many varieties of Dutch beer, such as Heineken, Amstel, and Grolsch. Wine is also popular, and there are many types of Dutch wine, such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Spirits are also common, and there are many kinds of Dutch spirits, such as jenever (gin), brandewijn (brandy), and advocaat (egg liqueur).

Traditional Costumes of Dutch Americans

The traditional costumes of Dutch Americans are the clothing and accessories that reflect the culture and heritage of their ancestors from the Netherlands. The traditional costumes vary by region, time period, and occasion, and they are usually worn for festivals, celebrations, or cultural events. The traditional costumes are often colorful, elaborate, and distinctive, and they include various elements, such as hats, bonnets, aprons, skirts, pants, shirts, vests, jackets, and shoes.

Some of the most recognizable and famous traditional costumes of Dutch Americans are those from Volendam, a historic fishing village northeast of Amsterdam. The Volendam costume consists of a black dress with a red or blue apron for women, and a black suit with a white shirt and a red or blue tie for men. The women also wear a white lace bonnet with a pointed and curled shape, and a gold or silver necklace with a cross or a coin. The men also wear a black cap with a small brim, and wooden shoes, known as klompen. The Volendam costume is often seen as a symbol of Dutch culture, and it is frequently used in tourism, media, and art.

Another traditional costume of Dutch Americans is that from Staphorst, a rural town in the province of Overijssel. The Staphorst costume is one of the few costumes that are still worn on a daily basis by some of the residents, especially the women. The Staphorst costume consists of a dark dress with a colorful striped skirt and a white apron for women, and a dark suit with a white shirt and a black tie for men. The women also wear a dark bonnet with a white lace edge, and a silver or gold brooch with a flower or a star. The men also wear a black hat with a wide brim, and leather shoes. The Staphorst costume is known for its use of bright colors and patterns, and its resistance to modern influences.

Other traditional costumes of Dutch Americans are those from Marken, an island in the Markermeer lake, and Zeeland, a province in the southwest of the Netherlands. The Marken costume consists of a red or blue dress with a white apron and a striped shawl for women, and a blue or black suit with a white shirt and a red or blue scarf for men. The women also wear a white bonnet with a round and flat shape, and a gold or silver necklace with a heart or a fish. The men also wear a black cap with a pompom, and wooden shoes. The Marken costume is known for its maritime and rural origins, and its preservation of the island's history and identity.

The Zeeland costume consists of a black dress with a white apron and a colored shawl for women, and a black suit with a white shirt and a black bow tie for men. The women also wear a white lace cap with a gold or silver spiral, and a gold or silver necklace with a medallion or a pendant. The men also wear a black hat with a ribbon, and leather shoes. The Zeeland costume is known for its elegance and richness, and its variation by sub-regions and occasions.

Holidays of Dutch Americans

The holidays of Dutch Americans are the celebrations and observances that reflect the culture and heritage of their ancestors from the Netherlands, as well as the influences of the American society. The holidays vary by region, time period, and occasion, and they include religious, national, and cultural events. Some of the holidays are shared with other Americans, while some are unique to the Dutch Americans.

Some of the most important and popular holidays of Dutch Americans are:

New Year's Day: January 1, the first day of the Gregorian calendar, which marks the beginning of a new year. The Dutch Americans celebrate this day with parties, fireworks, and resolutions. They also exchange greetings and gifts, such as calendars, cards, and money. ¹²

Easter: A movable feast, usually in March or April, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Dutch Americans celebrate this day with church services, family gatherings, and egg hunts. They also decorate and eat eggs, which symbolize new life and fertility. They also eat traditional foods, such as ham, lamb, and hot cross buns. ¹²

King's Day: April 27, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, who is the head of state and the symbol of national unity. The Dutch Americans celebrate this day with parades, festivals, and concerts. They also wear and display the national colors of orange, white, and blue, which represent the House of Orange-Nassau, the royal family of the Netherlands. They also eat and drink typical Dutch foods and beverages, such as cheese, herring, stroopwafels, and beer.

Memorial Day: The last Monday of May, which honors the men and women who died while serving in the US armed forces. The Dutch Americans observe this day with ceremonies, flags, and wreaths. They also visit the graves and memorials of their fallen heroes, and pay tribute to their sacrifices and contributions. They also enjoy picnics, barbecues, and sports.

Independence Day: July 4, which celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which declared the thirteen colonies as a new nation, free from the British rule. The Dutch Americans celebrate this day with patriotic displays, speeches, and songs. They also enjoy fireworks, carnivals, and concerts. They also eat and drink typical American foods and beverages, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and lemonade.

Labor Day: The first Monday of September, which recognizes the social and economic achievements of the American workers. The Dutch Americans observe this day with parades, rallies, and speeches. They also enjoy picnics, barbecues, and sports. They also take advantage of the sales and discounts offered by various stores and businesses.

Thanksgiving Day: The fourth Thursday of November, which expresses gratitude for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. The Dutch Americans celebrate this day with family gatherings, prayers, and feasts. They also eat traditional foods, such as turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. They also watch football games and parades.

Sinterklaas: December 5, the eve of the feast day of Saint Nicholas, who is the patron saint of children and sailors. The Dutch Americans celebrate this day with gifts, poems, and songs. They also welcome Sinterklaas, who arrives by boat from Spain, accompanied by his helpers, the Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes). They also eat and drink typical Dutch foods and beverages, such as chocolate letters, pepernoten (spicy cookies), and hot chocolate.

Christmas: December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God and the savior of the world. The Dutch Americans celebrate this day with church services, family gatherings, and gifts. They also decorate and light up their homes, trees, and nativity scenes. They also eat and drink typical Dutch foods and beverages, such as kerststol (fruit bread), banketstaaf (almond pastry), and glühwein (mulled wine).

Language of Dutch Americans

The language of Dutch Americans is mainly English, which is the official and dominant language of the United States. However, some Dutch Americans also speak Dutch, which is the language of their ancestors from the Netherlands and the Flemish region of Belgium. Dutch is a West Germanic language, closely related to English and German, and spoken by about 25 million people as a first language and 5 million as a second language.

The Dutch language was introduced to America by the first Dutch settlers who established a colony called New Netherland in the 17th century. The Dutch colonists spoke a variety of dialects, such as Hollandic, Brabantian, and Zeelandic, which influenced the development of the American English vocabulary, especially in the areas of New York and New Jersey, where the Dutch colonized. Some examples of words of Dutch origin are: cookie, boss, waffle, coleslaw, stoop, and yacht.

The Dutch language was gradually replaced by English after the English takeover of New Netherland in 1664, and the subsequent waves of immigration from other countries. However, some Dutch Americans continued to speak Dutch at home or in their communities, especially in rural areas of the Midwest and the West, where they settled in the 19th and 20th centuries. They also established churches, schools, newspapers, and other institutions to preserve and promote their Dutch identity and culture.

According to the 2009-2013 survey, about 141,580 people aged 5 and above spoke Dutch at home, which was about 0.0486% of the total US population. ³ In 2021, about 95.3% of the total Dutch American population of 5 years and over only spoke English at home.  The Dutch language is also taught and studied in some colleges and universities, such as Columbia University, Rutgers University, and Calvin University.

The Dutch language is also used for cultural and religious purposes, such as celebrating Sinterklaas, singing hymns, and reading the Bible. The Dutch language is also a source of pride and heritage for many Dutch Americans, who value their linguistic and historical ties with their homeland and their fellow Dutch speakers.

Family and Community Dynamics of Dutch Americans

The family and community dynamics of Dutch Americans are the patterns and processes of social interaction and organization that shape their lives and identities. The family and community dynamics of Dutch Americans are influenced by the culture and heritage of their ancestors from the Netherlands, as well as the adaptation and innovation of their life in America. The family and community dynamics of Dutch Americans vary by region, time period, and occasion, and they include aspects such as family structure, family roles, family values, kinship networks, social groups, social institutions, and social movements.

Some of the characteristics of the family and community dynamics of Dutch Americans are:

Family structure:

The Dutch Americans have a nuclear family structure, which consists of a married couple and their children, living in a separate household. The nuclear family is the basic unit of society, and it provides emotional, economic, and social support to its members. The Dutch Americans also have an extended family structure, which consists of relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws, living in close proximity or maintaining regular contact. The extended family is a source of identity, heritage, and solidarity, and it offers additional support and resources to its members.

Family roles:

The Dutch Americans have a patriarchal family system, which assigns different roles and responsibilities to men and women, based on their gender. The men are expected to be the breadwinners, the leaders, and the decision-makers of the family, while the women are expected to be the homemakers, the caregivers, and the helpers of the family. The men are also responsible for the public affairs of the family, such as business, politics, and religion, while the women are responsible for the private affairs of the family, such as education, health, and culture.

The children are expected to obey and respect their parents, and to contribute to the family chores and income. The elders are expected to guide and advise their children and grandchildren, and to pass on their wisdom and traditions.

Family values:

The Dutch Americans have a strong sense of family values, which are the principles and beliefs that govern their family life and behavior. The family values of Dutch Americans include thrift, industry, piety, and community. Thrift means being frugal, saving, and investing wisely. Industry means being hardworking, productive, and entrepreneurial. Piety means being faithful, moral, and charitable. Community means being loyal, cooperative, and helpful. The Dutch Americans also value education, freedom, and democracy, which are the foundations of their success and prosperity in America.

Kinship networks

The Dutch Americans have a complex and extensive kinship network, which connects them to their relatives and ancestors, both in America and in the Netherlands. The kinship network of Dutch Americans is based on blood ties, marriage ties, and adoption ties, and it is traced through both the paternal and the maternal lines. The kinship network of Dutch Americans is also influenced by the regional, religious, and cultural differences among the Dutch Americans, such as the Hollanders, the Zeelanders, the Frisians, the Calvinists, the Lutherans, and the Catholics.

The kinship network of Dutch Americans is a means of communication, information, and exchange, and it is maintained through various practices, such as genealogy, family reunions, family newsletters, and family websites.

Social groups:

The Dutch Americans have a diverse and dynamic social group system, which organizes them into various categories and subcategories, based on their common interests, goals, and identities. The social group system of Dutch Americans includes ethnic groups, religious groups, occupational groups, political groups, and cultural groups. The ethnic groups are based on the country or region of origin, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Indonesia, or Suriname. The religious groups are based on the denomination or sect of Christianity, such as the Reformed, the Christian Reformed, the Presbyterian, the Lutheran, or the Catholic.

The occupational groups are based on the type or sector of work, such as farming, manufacturing, transportation, or commerce. The political groups are based on the ideology or party of affiliation, such as the Republican, the Democrat, the Independent, or the Green. The cultural groups are based on the hobby or activity of preference, such as art, literature, science, sports, or entertainment.

Social institutions

The Dutch Americans have a rich and varied social institution system, which provides them with various services, functions, and opportunities, in various domains of society. The social institution system of Dutch Americans includes churches, schools, newspapers, and other institutions. The churches are the centers of religious worship, education, and charity, and they also serve as the hubs of social and cultural activities, such as festivals, concerts, and clubs.

The schools are the centers of academic learning, professional training, and personal development, and they also serve as the sources of social and cultural diversity, such as languages, arts, and sports. The newspapers are the sources of information, communication, and opinion, and they also serve as the platforms of social and cultural expression, such as news, stories, and advertisements. The other institutions are the organizations that cater to the specific needs, interests, and goals of the Dutch Americans, such as the Dutch American Heritage Foundation, the Holland Society of New York, the Netherlands-America Foundation, and the Dutch American Chamber of Commerce. ¹ 

Social movements:

The Dutch Americans have a long and active history of social movement participation, which involves them in various causes, campaigns, and protests, in various issues and fields of society. The social movement participation of Dutch Americans includes the American Revolution, the Abolitionist Movement, the Temperance Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, the Anti-War Movement, the Environmental Movement, and the Women's Movement. The American Revolution was the war of independence from Britain, in which many Dutch Americans fought and supported the cause of freedom and democracy.

The Abolitionist Movement was the campaign to end slavery and racial discrimination, in which many Dutch Americans advocated and assisted the cause of justice and equality. The Temperance Movement was the campaign to reduce or ban alcohol consumption and production, in which many Dutch Americans promoted and practiced the cause of morality and health. The Civil Rights Movement was the campaign to secure the rights and freedoms of the African Americans and other minorities, in which many Dutch Americans marched and spoke for the cause of peace and harmony. The Anti-War Movement was the campaign to oppose the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War and other wars, in which many Dutch Americans demonstrated and petitioned for the cause of nonviolence and diplomacy.

The Environmental Movement was the campaign to protect and preserve the natural resources and ecosystems of the planet, in which many Dutch Americans organized and donated for the cause of sustainability and conservation. The Women's Movement was the campaign to improve the status and opportunities of women in society, in which many Dutch American women worked and voted for the cause of empowerment and liberation.

Employment and Economic Traditions of Dutch Americans

The employment and economic traditions of Dutch Americans are the patterns and practices of work and wealth that shape their lives and identities. The employment and economic traditions of Dutch Americans are influenced by the culture and heritage of their ancestors from the Netherlands, as well as the adaptation and innovation of their life in America. The employment and economic traditions of Dutch Americans vary by region, time period, and occasion, and they include aspects such as occupations, industries, businesses, skills, values, and goals.

Some of the characteristics of the employment and economic traditions of Dutch Americans are:

Occupations:

The Dutch Americans have a diverse and dynamic occupational system, which involves them in various types and sectors of work, in various levels and positions of responsibility. The occupational system of Dutch Americans includes farming, manufacturing, transportation, commerce, service, education, and profession. Farming was the preferred occupation of the Dutch immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, who settled in rural areas of the Midwest and the West, where they cultivated crops and raised livestock.

Manufacturing was the common occupation of the Dutch immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, who settled in urban areas of the Northeast and the Midwest, where they worked in factories and mills. Transportation was the important occupation of the Dutch colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries, who established a colony called New Netherland, where they engaged in shipping and trading. Commerce was the dominant occupation of the Dutch colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries, who founded New Amsterdam, which became the commercial center of New Netherland and later New York. Service was the growing occupation of the Dutch Americans in the 20th and 21st centuries, who moved to various areas of the United States, where they worked in sectors such as health, hospitality, and entertainment.

Education was the valued occupation of the Dutch Americans in the 20th and 21st centuries, who pursued higher learning and professional training, and worked in sectors such as science, engineering, and arts. Profession was the prestigious occupation of the Dutch Americans in the 20th and 21st centuries, who attained expertise and leadership, and worked in sectors such as law, medicine, and politics.

Industries:

The Dutch Americans have a rich and varied industrial system, which provides them with various products, services, and opportunities, in various domains of the economy. The industrial system of Dutch Americans includes agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, commerce, service, education, and profession. Agriculture is the industry that produces food and fiber, and employs about 2% of the US labor force. The Dutch Americans have contributed to the development and innovation of agriculture, such as introducing new crops, improving farming methods, and creating cooperatives. Manufacturing is the industry that transforms raw materials into finished goods, and employs about 8% of the US labor force.

The Dutch Americans have contributed to the growth and diversification of manufacturing, such as producing textiles, furniture, machinery, and automobiles. Transportation is the industry that moves people and goods from one place to another, and employs about 5% of the US labor force. The Dutch Americans have contributed to the expansion and improvement of transportation, such as building canals, railroads, highways, and airports. Commerce is the industry that exchanges goods and services for money, and employs about 15% of the US labor force. The Dutch Americans have contributed to the success and influence of commerce, such as establishing trade networks, markets, and corporations. Service is the industry that provides intangible benefits to customers, and employs about 70% of the US labor force.

The Dutch Americans have contributed to the quality and diversity of service, such as offering health care, hospitality, and entertainment. Education is the industry that imparts knowledge and skills to learners, and employs about 6% of the US labor force. The Dutch Americans have contributed to the excellence and accessibility of education, such as founding colleges, universities, and research institutes. Profession is the industry that applies specialized knowledge and skills to clients, and employs about 16% of the US labor force. The Dutch Americans have contributed to the prestige and leadership of profession, such as practicing law, medicine, and politics.

Businesses:

The Dutch Americans have a strong and entrepreneurial business system, which involves them in various types and sizes of enterprises, in various sectors and markets of the economy. The business system of Dutch Americans includes small businesses, family businesses, corporations, and cooperatives. Small businesses are the enterprises that have fewer than 500 employees, and account for about 99% of all US businesses. The Dutch Americans have a tradition of starting and running small businesses, such as farms, shops, restaurants, and services.

Family businesses are the enterprises that are owned and operated by members of the same family, and account for about 90% of all US businesses. The Dutch Americans have a tradition of maintaining and passing on family businesses, such as manufacturing, transportation, and commerce. Corporations are the enterprises that are owned by shareholders and managed by directors, and account for about 1% of all US businesses. The Dutch Americans have a tradition of founding and leading corporations, such as banking, oil, and media. Cooperatives are the enterprises that are owned and controlled by their members, who share the benefits and risks, and account for about 0.5% of all US businesses. The Dutch Americans have a tradition of creating and joining cooperatives, such as agriculture, credit, and insurance.

Skills:

The Dutch Americans have a set of skills that enable them to perform their work and achieve their goals, in various domains and levels of the economy. The skills of Dutch Americans include technical skills, interpersonal skills, cognitive skills, and creative skills. Technical skills are the skills that involve the use of tools, machines, and methods, to produce or deliver goods and services. The Dutch Americans have developed and improved their technical skills, such as farming, manufacturing, transportation, and commerce. Interpersonal skills are the skills that involve the communication and interaction with other people, to establish and maintain relationships and cooperation.

The Dutch Americans have cultivated and enhanced their interpersonal skills, such as language, negotiation, and leadership. Cognitive skills are the skills that involve the processing and application of information and knowledge, to solve problems and make decisions. The Dutch Americans have acquired and expanded their cognitive skills, such as literacy, numeracy, and reasoning. Creative skills are the skills that involve the generation and expression of new and original ideas, to innovate and entertain. The Dutch Americans have demonstrated and exercised their creative skills, such as art, literature, science, and sports.

Values:

The Dutch Americans have a set of values that guide their work and wealth behavior and attitude, in various domains and levels of the economy. The values of Dutch Americans include thrift, industry, piety, and community. Thrift is the value that emphasizes being frugal, saving, and investing wisely, to achieve economic security and independence. The Dutch Americans have practiced and promoted thrift, as a means of survival and success, in various times and places. Industry is the value that emphasizes being hardworking, productive, and entrepreneurial, to achieve economic growth and prosperity. 

The Dutch Americans have practiced and promoted industry, as a means of contribution and advancement, in various sectors and markets. Piety is the value that emphasizes being faithful, moral, and charitable, to achieve economic justice and harmony. The Dutch Americans have practiced and promoted piety, as a means of obligation and gratitude, in various religions and causes. Community is the value that emphasizes being loyal, cooperative, and helpful, to achieve economic solidarity and diversity. The Dutch Americans have practiced and promoted community, as a means of identity and heritage, in various groups and institutions.

Goals: 

The Dutch Americans have a set of goals that motivate their work and wealth behavior and attitude, in various domains and levels of the economy. The goals of Dutch Americans include self-employment, economic security, economic independence, and economic contribution. Self-employment is the goal that involves owning and operating one's own business, to have more control and flexibility over one's work and income. The Dutch Americans have pursued and achieved self-employment, as a way of fulfilling their dreams and potentials, in various types and sizes of enterprises.

Economic security is the goal that involves having enough income and assets, to meet one's basic needs and wants, and to cope with unexpected events and emergencies. The Dutch Americans have pursued and achieved economic security, as a way of ensuring their well-being and stability, in various times and places. Economic independence is the goal that involves having enough income and assets, to be free from dependence on others, such as employers, creditors, or the government. The Dutch Americans have pursued and achieved economic independence, as a way of expressing their freedom and dignity, in various sectors and markets. Economic contribution is the goal that involves using one's income and assets, to benefit others, such as family, friends, community, or society. The Dutch Americans have pursued and achieved economic contribution, as a way of showing their generosity and responsibility, in various religions and causes.

Politics and Government of Dutch Americans

The politics and government of Dutch Americans are the aspects of their involvement and influence in the political and governmental systems of the United States. The politics and government of Dutch Americans are influenced by the culture and heritage of their ancestors from the Netherlands, as well as the adaptation and innovation of their life in America. The politics and government of Dutch Americans vary by region, time period, and occasion, and they include aspects such as political parties, political ideologies, political participation, political representation, and political issues.

Some of the characteristics of the politics and government of Dutch Americans are:

Political parties:

The Dutch Americans have a diverse and dynamic political party system, which involves them in various types and levels of political organizations, in various sectors and branches of the government. The political party system of Dutch Americans includes the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, the Independent Party, and other parties. The Republican Party is the party that supports conservative, libertarian, and nationalist policies, and appeals to many Dutch Americans who value individualism, freedom, and patriotism.

The Democratic Party is the party that supports progressive, social democratic, and multicultural policies, and appeals to many Dutch Americans who value equality, justice, and diversity. The Independent Party is the party that supports moderate, pragmatic, and centrist policies, and appeals to many Dutch Americans who value balance, compromise, and reform. The other parties are the parties that support alternative, radical, and niche policies, and appeal to some Dutch Americans who value change, innovation, and representation. ¹²

Political ideologies:

The Dutch Americans have a range of political ideologies, which are the sets of beliefs and values that guide their political behavior and attitude, in various domains and levels of the government. The political ideologies of Dutch Americans include conservatism, liberalism, socialism, libertarianism, and others. Conservatism is the ideology that favors tradition, stability, and authority, and opposes change, disruption, and revolution.

Liberalism is the ideology that favors reason, progress, and reform, and opposes ignorance, stagnation, and oppression. Socialism is the ideology that favors cooperation, equality, and welfare, and opposes competition, inequality, and exploitation. Libertarianism is the ideology that favors individualism, freedom, and choice, and opposes collectivism, coercion, and restriction. The other ideologies are the ideologies that favor different combinations or variations of these principles and values, and oppose different combinations or variations of these principles and values.

Political participation:

The Dutch Americans have a high level of political participation, which involves them in various types and modes of political activities, in various issues and fields of the government. The political participation of Dutch Americans includes voting, campaigning, lobbying, protesting, and donating. Voting is the activity that involves choosing or electing political candidates or policies, in various types and levels of elections, such as presidential, congressional, state, and local elections. Campaigning is the activity that involves supporting or opposing political candidates or policies, in various ways and means, such as canvassing, advertising, and debating.

Lobbying is the activity that involves influencing or persuading political officials or institutions, in various ways and means, such as petitioning, consulting, and bribing. Protesting is the activity that involves expressing or demonstrating political opinions or demands, in various ways and means, such as marching, rallying, and striking. Donating is the activity that involves contributing or giving money or resources to political candidates or causes, in various ways and means, such as fundraising, sponsoring, and endorsing.

Political representation: 

The Dutch Americans have a significant level of political representation, which involves them in various types and levels of political offices or positions, in various sectors and branches of the government. The political representation of Dutch Americans includes presidents, senators, representatives, governors, mayors, and others. Presidents are the heads of state and government of the United States, who are elected by the Electoral College, and serve for four-year terms.

Senators are the members of the upper house of the Congress, who are elected by the people of each state, and serve for six-year terms. Representatives are the members of the lower house of the Congress, who are elected by the people of each district, and serve for two-year terms. Governors are the heads of state and government of each state, who are elected by the people of each state, and serve for four-year terms. Mayors are the heads of local government of each city, who are elected by the people of each city, and serve for various terms. The other political offices or positions are the ones that are appointed or elected by various methods and criteria, and serve for various terms.

Political issues: 

The Dutch Americans have a variety of political issues, which are the topics or problems that concern or affect them, in various domains and levels of the government. The political issues of Dutch Americans include immigration, health care, education, environment, and others. Immigration is the issue that involves the movement and settlement of people from other countries to the United States, and the policies and laws that regulate and affect them, such as visas, citizenship, and asylum. Health care is the issue that involves the provision and access of medical services and facilities to the people of the United States, and the policies and laws that regulate and affect them, such as insurance, coverage, and quality.

Education is the issue that involves the imparting and acquiring of knowledge and skills to the people of the United States, and the policies and laws that regulate and affect them, such as funding, curriculum, and standards. Environment is the issue that involves the protection and preservation of the natural resources and ecosystems of the planet, and the policies and laws that regulate and affect them, such as pollution, climate change, and conservation. The other political issues are the ones that involve different aspects or dimensions of the government and society, and the policies and laws that regulate and affect them.

List of Dutch Americans Individual and Group Contributions

Dutch Americans have made significant and diverse contributions to various fields of American society, culture, and economy. Some of the list of Dutch Americans areas where they have excelled are:

Business

Dutch Americans have been involved in various business ventures, ranging from shipping and trading to banking and manufacturing. Some of the major business leaders of Dutch descent include:

• Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877), who built a railroad and shipping empire that made him one of the wealthiest men in America.
• Henry J. Heinz (1844-1919), who founded the H. J. Heinz Company, famous for its ketchup and other food products.
• Gerard Adriaan Heineken (1841-1893), who founded the Heineken Brewery, one of the largest and most successful beer companies in the world.
• Frederik Philips (1830-1900) and **Gerard Philips (1858-1942), who founded Philips, a multinational corporation that produces electronics, lighting, and medical equipment.
• Henry Ford (1863-1947), who revolutionized the automobile industry with his mass production of the Model T car and the assembly line method.
• Walter Chrysler (1875-1940), who founded the Chrysler Corporation, one of the major automobile manufacturers in America.
• Wayne Huizenga (1937-2018), who founded Waste Management, Blockbuster, and AutoNation, and owned several sports franchises.

Entertainment

Dutch Americans have also made their mark in the entertainment industry, as actors, directors, producers, musicians, and comedians. Some of the notable names are:

• Cecil B. DeMille (1881-1959), who was a pioneer of Hollywood filmmaking and directed epic films such as The Ten Commandments and The Greatest Show on Earth.
• Bruce Springsteen (born 1949), who is a rock legend and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for his songs about the American working class and social issues.
• Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993), who was a film icon and humanitarian, starring in classics such as Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and My Fair Lady.
• Dick Van Dyke (born 1925), who is a beloved actor, comedian, and singer, best known for his roles in The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
• Eddie Van Halen (1955-2020), who was a guitar virtuoso and co-founder of the rock band Van Halen, one of the most influential and successful groups in hard rock history.
• Paul Verhoeven (born 1938), who is a film director and screenwriter, famous for his provocative and controversial movies such as RoboCop, Total Recall, Basic Instinct, and Starship Troopers.
• Kristen Bell (born 1980), who is an actress and singer, known for her roles in Veronica Mars, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Frozen, and The Good Place.

Literature

Dutch Americans have also contributed to American literature, as writers, poets, critics, and editors. Some of the prominent examples are:

• Walt Whitman (1819-1892), who is widely regarded as one of the greatest American poets and the father of free verse, celebrated for his collection Leaves of Grass.
• Herman Melville (1819-1891), who is considered one of the greatest American novelists and the author of Moby-Dick, a masterpiece of American literature and a symbol of the American spirit.
• Theodore Dreiser (1871-1945), who is recognized as one of the leading naturalist writers and the author of novels such as Sister Carrie and An American Tragedy, which explored the social and moral issues of his time.
• Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950), who was a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and a feminist icon, known for her lyrical and passionate poems and her unconventional lifestyle.
• John Steinbeck (1902-1968), who was a Nobel Prize-winning novelist and a social critic, famous for his realistic and compassionate portrayals of the lives of the poor and oppressed in novels such as The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men.
• Thomas Pynchon (born 1937), who is one of the most influential and innovative postmodern writers, renowned for his complex and dense novels such as Gravity's Rainbow and The Crying of Lot 49.
• David Foster Wallace (1962-2008), who was a brilliant and influential writer and essayist, acclaimed for his novel Infinite Jest and his essays on various topics such as literature, culture, and tennis.

Politics

Dutch Americans have also played a significant role in American politics, as presidents, senators, governors, and other officials. Some of the notable figures are:

• Martin Van Buren (1782-1862), who was the eighth president of the United States and the first president of Dutch ancestry. He was also a key organizer of the Democratic Party and a supporter of Andrew Jackson.
• Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), who was the 26th president of the United States and a leader of the Progressive Movement. He was also a conservationist, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and a war hero.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), who was the 32nd president of the United States and the only president to serve four terms. He led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, and implemented the New Deal, a series of social and economic reforms.
• Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), who was the wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the longest-serving First Lady of the United States. She was also a human rights activist, a diplomat, and a delegate to the United Nations.
• Warren G. Harding (1865-1923), who was the 29th president of the United States and the first president to be elected after the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. He was also a newspaper publisher and a senator from Ohio.
• Arthur H. Vandenberg (1884-1951), who was a senator from Michigan and a prominent leader of the Republican Party. He was also a key figure in the creation of the United Nations and the NATO alliance, and a supporter of the Marshall Plan and the Truman Doctrine.
• John Jay (1745-1829), who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the first Chief Justice of the United States. He was also a diplomat, a governor of New York, and a co-author of the Federalist Papers.

Publishing

Dutch Americans have also been involved in the publishing industry, as publishers, editors, and journalists. Some of the influential names are:

• Joseph Pulitzer (1847-1911), who was a newspaper publisher and a pioneer of yellow journalism, a style of sensational and investigative reporting. He also established the Pulitzer Prizes, the most prestigious awards in journalism and literature.
• Henry Luce (1898-1967), who was a magazine publisher and a media mogul, who founded Time, Life, Fortune, and Sports Illustrated, among other publications. He also coined the term "the American Century" and influenced public opinion on various issues.
• William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951), who was a newspaper publisher and a rival of Joseph Pulitzer. He also built a media empire that included newspapers, magazines, radio, and film. He was also a political figure and a patron of the arts.
• Helen Gurley Brown (1922-2012), who was a magazine editor and a feminist icon, who transformed Cosmopolitan into a popular and provocative women's magazine. She also wrote the best-selling book Sex and the Single Girl, which encouraged women to pursue their careers and sexuality.
• Barbara Walters (born 1929), who is a television journalist and a pioneer of broadcast journalism. She was the first woman to co-host the Today show and the first woman to co-anchor a network evening news program. She was also the creator and co-host of The View, a popular talk show.
• Walter Cronkite (1916-2009), who was a television journalist and a trusted voice of America. He was the anchor of the CBS Evening News for 19 years, and covered many historic events such as the moon landing, the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal. He was also known as "the most trusted man in America".

Theology

Dutch Americans have also contributed to the field of theology, as theologians, pastors, and scholars. Some of the prominent examples are:

• Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609), who was a theologian and a leader of the Remonstrants, a movement that opposed the Calvinist doctrine of predestination. He advocated for free will, universal grace, and conditional election.
• Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920), who was a theologian and a politician, who founded the Anti-Revolutionary Party, the first Christian democratic party in the world. He was also the prime minister of the Netherlands from 1901 to 1905. He developed the concept of sphere sovereignty, which affirmed the autonomy of various spheres of society from the state.
• Cornelius Van Til (1895-1987), who was a theologian and an apologist, who taught at Westminster Theological Seminary for 43 years. He developed the presuppositional apologetics, which argued that the Christian faith is the only rational basis for human knowledge and morality.
• Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971), who was a theologian and a social ethicist, who taught at Union Theological Seminary for 32 years. He was the leader of the neo-orthodox movement, which emphasized the transcendence of God and the sinfulness of humanity. He also wrote influential books such as The Nature and Destiny of Man and Moral Man and Immoral Society.
• Nicholas Wolterstorff (born 1932), who is a philosopher and a theologian, who taught at Calvin College and Yale University. He is one of the founders of the Reformed epistemology, which defends the rationality of religious belief without the need for evidence or arguments. He also wrote influential books such as Reason within the Bounds of Religion and Justice: Rights and Wrongs.

Philosophy

Dutch Americans have also contributed to the field of philosophy, as philosophers, professors, and scholars. Some of the prominent examples are:

• Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677), who was a rationalist and a pantheist, who challenged the traditional views of God, nature, and morality. He was excommunicated by the Jewish community for his radical ideas, and his works were banned by the authorities. He wrote influential books such as Ethics and Theological-Political Treatise.
• William James (1842-1910), who was a pragmatist and a psychologist, who explored the nature of human experience, thought, and action. He was one of the founders of American psychology and philosophy, and the first to offer a course on psychology in America. He wrote influential books such as The Principles of Psychology and The Varieties of Religious Experience.
• John Dewey (1859-1952), who was a pragmatist and an educator, who advocated for progressive education, democracy, and social reform. He was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century, and his ideas influenced various fields such as education, psychology, politics, and art. He wrote influential books such as Democracy and Education and Experience and Nature.
• Hannah Arendt (1906-1975), who was a political philosopher and a public intellectual, who analyzed the origins and consequences of totalitarianism, fascism, and democracy. She was a Jewish refugee who escaped Nazi Germany and became a US citizen. She wrote influential books such as The Origins of Totalitarianism and The Human Condition.
• Noam Chomsky (born 1928), who is a linguist and a political activist, who revolutionized the study of language and the mind. He is also a vocal critic of US foreign policy and a supporter of various social movements. He wrote influential books such as Syntactic Structures and Manufacturing Consent.

Medicine

Dutch Americans have also contributed to the field of medicine, as doctors, researchers, and inventors. Some of the notable names are:

• Willem Einthoven (1860-1927), who was a physiologist and a Nobel laureate, who invented the electrocardiograph, a device that measures the electrical activity of the heart. He also developed the Einthoven triangle, a method of placing electrodes on the body to record the heart's signals.
• Simon Flexner (1863-1946), who was a pathologist and a bacteriologist, who discovered the cause and cure of cerebrospinal meningitis, a deadly infection of the brain and spinal cord. He also founded the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, the first biomedical research center in America.
• Albert Sabin (1906-1993), who was a virologist and a polio pioneer, who developed the oral polio vaccine, which was safer and more effective than the injectable vaccine. He also conducted mass vaccination campaigns around the world, which helped eradicate polio from many countries.
• Jonas Salk (1914-1995), who was a virologist and a polio pioneer, who developed the first injectable polio vaccine, which was tested on himself and his family. He also founded the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a prestigious research center in California.
• Benjamin Spock (1903-1998), who was a pediatrician and a best-selling author, who wrote the book Baby and Child Care, which revolutionized the way parents raised their children. He also advocated for various social causes, such as civil rights, nuclear disarmament, and anti-war protests.

History and Media

Dutch Americans have also contributed to the fields of history and media, as historians, journalists, and broadcasters. Some of the influential names are:

• John Lothrop Motley (1814-1877), who was a historian and a diplomat, who wrote the book The Rise of the Dutch Republic, which chronicled the history of the Netherlands from the 16th to the 18th century. He also served as the US minister to Austria and the United Kingdom.
• Hendrik Willem van Loon (1882-1944), who was a historian and a writer, who wrote the book The Story of Mankind, which was the first book to win the Newbery Medal, an award for children's literature. He also wrote and illustrated many other books on various topics, such as art, science, and religion.
• David McCullough (born 1933), who is a historian and a biographer, who wrote the books 1776, John Adams, and The Wright Brothers, which won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also narrated several documentaries, such as The Civil War and The American Experience.
• Walter Lippmann (1889-1974), who was a journalist and a public intellectual, who wrote the column Today and Tomorrow, which was syndicated in hundreds of newspapers. He also wrote influential books such as Public Opinion and The Phantom Public, which analyzed the role and influence of the media and the public in politics and society.
• Edward R. Murrow (1908-1965), who was a journalist and a broadcaster, who was the pioneer of radio and television news. He was known for his reports on World War II, the McCarthy era, and the civil rights movement. He also hosted the programs See It Now and Person to Person, which featured interviews with famous people.