Liberation skirtLiberation skirt

Liberation skirt

Collection highlight in 2020, 75th anniversary of the liberation

The liberation skirt, or national celebration skirt, is a real highlight of the museum's collection in 2020, as we celebrate '75 years of freedom'.

The patches were taken from old clothes that had a deeper significance for the wearer.

Liberation skirt


Meaningfull patches

Women were encouraged to create these skirts by sewing patches of fabric onto their old skirts immediately after WW2. The patches were made from old items of clothing that reminded the women of their family, loved ones and friends. They would embroider a new date along the hem every year, starting with 5 May, 1945. The two skirts in the museum collection were made by the Van Willigenburg sisters from Amersfoort. Ria embroidered the hem until 1951, while her sister upheld the new tradition for another year.

 
The skirts will eventually become part of the permanent Eye witnesses to the war / Amersfoort 1940-1945 exhibition in the museum attic. Diary excerpts, photographs and museum artefacts reveal how ordinary Amersfoort residents experienced the five years of German occupation. 

Liberation skirt