For 12.5 years, you have found a history lesson and a face in city streets: "We are everywhere"
Paul Fennis has spent over 12.5 years installing more than 600 educational panels across Amsterdam that feature portraits and biographies of the historical figures for whom local streets are named. This ongoing project aims to bring history to city streets, with residents increasingly viewing the informative signs as a valuable cultural addition to their neighborhoods.
For over twelve years, Paul Fennis has been leading a project called Geef Straten een Gezicht, which installs educational panels across Amsterdam. These signs, now numbering over 600, are placed alongside street signs to provide information and portraits of the historical figures for whom the streets are named. The project began at the Jacob Jan Cremerplein in Oud-West, inspired by Fennis's desire to educate local children about the author who campaigned against child labor. Author Shirley Brandeis contributes descriptive texts for the signs, aiming to capture the essence and accomplishments of these historical figures within a short word limit.
The initiative has expanded to neighborhoods across the city, including Slotervaart and Slotermeer, where recent additions honor individuals like Abraham Staalman. The project has gained significant community appreciation and has even become a point of pride for residents, as evidenced by the signs appearing in local real estate listings. Fennis continues to enjoy the work, which aims to bring history to life for everyday passersby.
Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
