Father Damien museum in Tremelo
Februari 21 2018
When we were looking into the Krokuskriebels last weekend for inspiration for our next family trip, our attention was drawn by the birth house of Father Damien in Tremelo. Our children immediately felt a connection. In fact, every year, at the school they work on a project for the Damiaanactie. The choice for a fun and instructive activity was therefore quickly made.
From the moment we entered the courtyard we immediately got the feeling that we were paying the 'De Veusters’ a visit. Apart from the statue and the small information signs, this cozy front yard still didn’t give a hint about what we could expect inside. When the large front door opened automatically and Jules and Paulien accepted this invitation, we found ourselves at the reception of the museum.
The booklet ‘Op stap met Damien' is a fun way to learn more about the life of Jefke (Jozef De Veuster) and its our guide for a trip in and around the birth house and museum.
While the audio guide gives us extra information and tells stories, we solve the assignments. We are given a mix of puzzles, quests, stories and moments of reflection. Occasionally you will be asked what you think or feel, what in a museum of this kind, definitely gives a even more intense experience.
The discovery tour has been worked out nicely. We start with an overview on the basis of a timeline. Then we step inside the birth house, where we listen to stories about his youth. When we arrive in the museum, we are in Kalaupapa on the island of Molokaï (Hawaii). We can hear the waves and the murmur of the wind. Spontaneously we even made a small dance. (No, we do not have pictures of this ;)).
There is a lot to experience in this room. The interactive screens and the ‘point and listen moments’ are very much appreciated by Jules and Paulien. It does not take long before we are completely immersed in the atmosphere of the story. And that's how we get to know how Jozef De Veuster, became 'De Grootste Belg’ (The biggest Belgian).
Of course, attention is also paid to the Damiaanactie. We are introduced to three key figures, who each tell, from their point of view, how important it is to continue the fight against leprosy and tuberculosis. Jules and Paulien immediately recognized the man on the puzzle. Do you know who this is?
Outside we follow the walk, which Jefke took when he went to school. On the road we pass by the church, the river Dijle and the Damien residential care center. Here we posted our greetings. The postcards are distributed to people who receive little visitors or our going through a difficult time.
To conclude, we could search for the treasure, in which we discover a game that Jefke used to play. We still need some practice ...
Practical:
More info about the Damiaanmuseum (Pater Damiaanstraat 37, 3120 Tremelo).
Krokuskriebels is an initiative of the Gezinsbond. During the spring break, 101 museums in Flanders and Brussels did roll out their red carpet for families with children.
More info about the Damiaanmuseum (Pater Damiaanstraat 37, 3120 Tremelo).
Krokuskriebels is an initiative of the Gezinsbond. During the spring break, 101 museums in Flanders and Brussels did roll out their red carpet for families with children.
All our pictures are taken with a Fujifilm X-T20 + Fujinon XF 18-55mm 2.8-4 available at BARTOK SHOP