About us - Stichtingkroon

From passion to platform

At Stichting KROON , we combine passion with knowledge. We research, document and share information about Dutch orders of chivalry and honours, so that everyone can gain an insight into their significance and history.

About the platform About the team

Stichting Kroon was born out of our passion for honours and the stories behind them

stories

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Partnerships

About the platform

Stichting KROON is the leading knowledge centre for anyone wishing to learn more about Dutch orders of chivalry and honours: from historians and collectors to researchers and other enthusiasts. We offer a digital knowledge base, stories about recipients and up-to-date information on events and developments. In this way, we make the rich heritage of honours accessible to everyone, both now and for future generations. But we do more than just collect facts. Behind every honour lies a person and a story. That is why we also highlight recipients and their personal experiences, bringing this heritage to life.

In addition, we collaborate with collectors, museums, researchers and other organisations to pool and disseminate knowledge. In this way, we are building a platform that offers both a reliable source of information and a place to find inspiration and discover stories. Our aim is to make the story of Dutch honours as accessible as possible: digitally and, in the future, physically too, through exhibitions where knowledge, history and people’s stories come together.

They are Stichting KROON

About the enthusiasts who conceived, devised and developed Stichting KROON

George Sanders

Director

George Sanders (1961) studied classical history at Utrecht University. He worked at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and served for many years as curator of the Museum of the Chancellery of the Dutch Orders. In 2013, he obtained his PhD with a thesis entitled *Het Present van Staat* (The State’s Gift), a study of the honours system of the Republic of the United Netherlands.

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Robin Biemans

Secretary

Robin Biemans (1973) studied landscape architecture at Wageningen University and spent many years working on the Netherlands’ flood defences for the water boards. Alongside his work, his passion for Dutch honours developed into a serious research practice. Robin is not only an expert, but also an author and editor of, amongst other works, *De Geïllustreerde Bax*, a leading reference work published in 2021.

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Our timeline

How it all began

June 2024

Everything wonderful begins with a wish, and this was certainly true for Stichting Kroon : ‘How can we do more with our passion for awards?’ The first ideas began to take shape

October 2024

The idea for Stichting KROON was born. We decided to go for it wholeheartedly and give up our permanent jobs. Full of confidence.

March 2025

The contract was signed at the notary’s office, and Robin and George officially joined the company. With an office in Wageningen as well, we can really get started.

September 2025

We’re involved in some fantastic collaborations and are proud of our foundation and what we’re achieving. Will you continue to follow us via the newsletter?

Documents

ANBI declaration

Find out how Stichting KROON meets the requirements of the Tax and Customs Administration and why your donation is tax-deductible and reliable.

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Annual Financial Report

Here you will find the financial report for the year 2025.

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Annual Report

Read about what has been achieved over the past year. From the organisation’s founding to the launch of the website and the first projects in which your support has yielded tangible results. We expect the annual report to be published in mid-2026.

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Policy Plan

Discover our mission, objectives and planned activities. This document shows how we translate your contribution into tangible heritage conservation.

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Articles of Association

View the articles of association at Stichting KROON. These set out how we operate, make decisions and safeguard our independence.

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Would you like to collaborate with Stichting KROON ?

Please get in touch if you have any ideas for a collaboration

Collaboration

Who does KROON collaborate with?

We collaborate with museums, archives, government bodies, researchers, schools and private collectors. We do this to gather as much information as possible for our knowledge base, ensuring the most comprehensive overview for our users.

How can I get involved as a collector or expert?

How can I collaborate with Stichting KROON as a collector or expert?

We are keen to collaborate with people who have knowledge of and a passion for orders of chivalry and honours. You can contribute by writing stories or articles, sharing research and documentation with us, or helping to develop ideas for exhibitions, lectures and other projects. Do you have ideas for a broader collaboration or an initiative that aligns with our mission? We’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact us to explore the possibilities via the form on the Collaboration page .

Can I make my collection available for research or exhibitions?

Yes, that is certainly possible. We welcome collections that can help to deepen our understanding of Dutch honours. We are happy to carefully document collections and, in consultation with you, use them for research, publications or (temporary) exhibitions. Please feel free to contact us to discuss what would best suit your collection and your wishes.

Does KROON offer partnerships with museums or other centres of expertise?

Yes, we are open to collaborating with museums and other institutions involved in culture, history and heritage. We would be happy to discuss which form of partnership would be most suitable, for example regarding knowledge-sharing, research or presentations. Please feel free to contact us to explore the possibilities together.

Can Stichting KROON help me with organising, documenting or selling my collection?

Yes, that’s possible. We can assist with organising and documenting collections, and should you wish to sell, we work in partnership with Tertio Fluctus, a shop specialising in honours and related heritage items. A modest portion of the proceeds goes to Stichting KROON, enabling us to continue developing the knowledge centre and our activities. Please feel free to contact us to discuss what best suits your collection and requirements.

What forms of collaboration are possible for schools, universities or community organisations?

We don’t have anything ‘off the shelf’ yet, but through the foundation we can organise all sorts of things for you. These might include guest lectures, online resource packs and research support. Please get in touch via the contact form. We’ll then discuss together what you need and what we can develop to meet those needs. We’re very flexible and extremely keen to help.

Can I contribute to the story database with information about recipients of honours?

What does KROON expect from a partner?

How does KROON ensure quality in external contributions?

Can I make a voluntary contribution to the foundation?

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