Family History Journeys
Discover the places and events that became part of your relatives’ lives.
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The most rewarding journeys are when my guests have a personal connection with the history. A relative may have fought here, lived here, passed through a camp, or knows a name, an address or a story.
Before you come, I can help research what happened and where. Then we use that research to plan the journey and visit the places connected to your family.
FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF YOUR FAMILY
Everyone has a story
Do you have a family member who served in Europe during World War II? Maybe a grandfather who helped liberate a Dutch village or an uncle who was stationed in Holland? A relative who came through Westerbork or witnessed the horrors of Auschwitz, or a Dutch ancestor who lived through the occupation?
Or maybe your connection to the Netherlands goes back even further.
I can help with your research and with understanding what happened. And together we visit the places where your relatives lived, served, worked or struggled, exploring the stories that shaped their lives — and, in many ways, your own.
FINDING YOUR STORY
Research and Preparation
Before your visit, I research and prepare your journey locally. First I look at what you send me. Then the search begins.
RECORDS
Family records
Wartime records
Addresses
RESEARCH
Archive research
Dutch translation
Bigger picture
JOURNEY
Personal itinerary
Your family story
Historical context
Remembering granddad
Russell came for two days to Arnhem and Nijmegen where his grandfather had fought during Market Garden.
Finding an uncle
Barbara had long wanted to see the place where her uncle crashed in 1944. He was a co-pilot during Market Garden.
Travelling with the son of a soldier
It rained heavily today, but the experience for my guest from Canada was truly remarkable.
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Every item under “Why Travel with Tourguidesforyou?” was checked off for us. We are SO glad we found Martin to plan the tour and be our guide. He was able to research the crash; we drove to the site and he explained in detail what had happened.
Barbara – USA
READY TO BEGIN?
Begin with what you know
Whatever you know or guess, get in touch and start with a conversation. Send me your notes, records, diaries or anything else you think might help in tracing your relatives. You will be surprised how much there is to find when you know where to look.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Do you want me to help you with your personal research and journey? Here are some of the questions guests often ask before travelling.
What information do I need to start?
A name, photograph, address, military record or even a family story can be enough to start exploring. Every journey begins with a conversation about what you already know and what you hope to discover.
Can you help with research before the journey?
Yes. Depending on the information available, I can help identify locations, historical context, military records, wartime events and other sources that may add depth to your family’s story before we meet.
What if I only have limited information?
That is often how these journeys begin. Sometimes a single photograph, a name or a place is enough to uncover connections and create a meaningful experience. While not every question can be answered, there is often more to discover than people expect.
Can we visit places connected to my family?
Absolutely. Whenever possible, we can visit family homes, military locations, schools, workplaces, memorials, battlefields or other places that played a role in your family’s history. These visits often become the most memorable part of the journey.
Is this a tour or a personal research journey?
Both. Every Family History Journey combines historical context with your personal story. Some guests are looking for answers, others want to walk in the footsteps of a parent, grandparent or relative. The journey is tailored to your interests, questions and pace.