Historical journeys & research
Private historical journeys, family and archival research, and history talks — personally led by Martin van Elmpt.
All my life I have been a student of history. Not just of what happened, but of the people who lived through it, the choices they faced and the stories behind the facts.
At When Then Was Now, I bring together historical research, private journeys, talks and storytelling. Whether you have a family story to uncover, a place you want to visit or simply a curiosity about the past, I invite you to discover what it was like when then was now.
01 / RESEARCH
Historical Research
Archival and family history research into people, places and events — with or without a journey.
02 / ON LOCATION
Tours & Journeys
Private historical journeys to battlefields, remembrance sites, family places and Dutch heritage locations.
03 / IN CONVERSATION
Live Talks
Historical talks for groups and interactive online journeys, using maps, sources and discussion.
04 / WRITING
Stories & Projects
Articles, published stories and a look at research I am currently working on.
The same questions and sources run through all four: research can lead to a journey, a talk or a written story.
When Then Was Now
We look at the past as something that happened then, but for the people living through it, it was happening now.
Looking back in time, we have the advantage of knowing how things turned out in the end. But when you have to make choices, sometimes hard ones, you don’t yet know what the outcome will be.
In my research and storytelling, I always keep that perspective in mind. Our ancestors had to make choices, sometimes in extraordinary circumstances, without knowing what would happen next.
Whether I am searching through archives, following someone’s personal history or visiting the places where events unfolded, I try to see things from the perspective of the people who were there. To understand not only what happened, but also what they knew, what they believed and what choices they faced.
I can help you with your own historical research, take you to the places where it all happened, or share these perspectives in talks and presentations.
Together, we can try to understand what life was like when then was now.
HISTORY IN PRACTICE
Where research and journeys meet
A visit to Westerbork and the reconstruction of my father’s wartime journey show two sides of the same work: investigating the records and visiting the places where history happened.
FEATURED JOURNEY · NETHERLANDS
Camp Westerbork: a journey of remembrance
At the former Westerbork transit camp, memorials and traces in the landscape tell the story of persecution and deportation during the German occupation of the Netherlands.
A private visit offers historical context, time for reflection and, where relevant, a connection to your own family story.
FEATURED RESEARCH · 1944–1945
Following my father’s journey
My father left an account of being sent from Amsterdam to Germany during the final winter of the war. I have been comparing his memories with documents, other accounts and the places he described.
The research is also a reminder that a personal memory and the historical record do not always tell exactly the same story.
THE PERSON BEHIND THE WORK
I’m Martin van Elmpt
I’m a historical investigator, writer, speaker and private guide, based in Alkmaar in the Netherlands. Much of my work concerns World War II, Dutch history and personal or family stories.
I spend a lot of time reading, searching archives and comparing sources. But I also visit the places themselves. Being there can make a document clearer — or raise a question I had not considered.
I love storytelling, and every good story begins with listening. When I take someone on a journey, I want to know what interests them and what they hope to find. “It’s your day,” I always say — and I mean it.
A GUEST’S EXPERIENCE
Research that leads to a place
Barbara wanted to visit the location where her uncle’s aircraft crashed in 1944. Her experience combines historical preparation with a personal journey.
“He was able to research the crash; we drove to the site and he explained in detail what had happened.”
— Barbara, USA
FROM MY DESK
From my desk
An ongoing research project, alongside a story about how my work as a private guide began.
ON MY DESK · WORK IN PROGRESS
1940–1945, one day at a time
I am building a day-by-day record of the war years, comparing historical accounts, contemporary newspapers and events in Amsterdam. Looking at what people knew on a particular day can change how we understand what followed.
Ongoing research. A fuller public project page will follow when it is ready.
FROM THE ROAD · SUBSTACK
A new job
It began with a three-hour walk through Amsterdam, following the places connected with Anne Frank’s life before she went into hiding. That first walk became the beginning of something much larger.
I also write about journeys, research and the people I meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some practical questions before we start.
Can I commission research without booking a journey?
Yes. I can investigate a person, family, place or event as a separate research project. We discuss your question and the available sources before deciding on the scope.
Are your historical journeys private?
Yes. My journeys are private and can be adapted to your interests, whether that is a battlefield, a remembrance site, Dutch history or a personal family story. You can explore the options on the Journeys page.
Can research and a journey be combined?
Often, yes. Archive findings can help identify places worth visiting. We first establish what is known and then discuss whether a visit makes sense and can be arranged.
Do you give talks or online presentations?
I give historical talks for groups and am developing interactive online journeys. Tell me about your audience and topic, and we can discuss what is possible.
GET IN TOUCH
Have a journey or a question in mind?
Tell me what you are interested in. Whether you want to visit a place, investigate a family story or arrange a talk, we can start with a conversation.