About free happy people

A museum is more than a place where you look at art and history. It is also a place where people meet each other, exchange stories, and feel welcome. That is exactly what appeals to Rob in his volunteer work as a host at the Luther Museum in Amsterdam. After his early retirement, he looked for a way to meet new people and contribute to society. He found that in an environment where his interests in history and culture come together. He is not a Lutheran himself, but the open and free atmosphere of the Lutheran community suits him perfectly. “I always find it a sport to figure out what kind of people they are who come in.” 

The Luther Museum is located on the Nieuwe Keizersgracht and tells about the life and thoughts of theologian and reformer Martin Luther. The history of the Lutheran community in Amsterdam also receives ample attention. At one time, they made up about twenty percent of the Amsterdam population.

From music to IT

Rob is a violinist by background and played in various orchestras. But then there were budget cuts in the cultural sector, and Rob became a father. These were some of the reasons to explore a different field and discover something new. He became skilled in the secrets of IT and found employment in that area. About four years ago, his position was eliminated, and Rob was able to retire early.

No black hole

“I have started doing all sorts of things that have always interested me. I could make more music, that was one thing, and I could pick up my interest in geography through self-study.” Rob is currently diving into the trivia of Mauritius, a small island in the Indian Ocean with Dutch influences (the name refers to Prince Maurits).

“But I still thought it would be nice to have something else, where I would also meet new people and contribute to society. My thoughts immediately went to ‘something’ in the museum world. On the site of Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam, I found this volunteer vacancy. I started talking, and it clicked right from the first moment.”

Host

“I already knew the Luther museum, but I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I read up well and soon I was active as a host. I welcome and guide visitors in the museum. And I really enjoy it. Because it’s such a small museum, I also have a lot of contact with the visitors. This easily leads to conversations, sometimes a bit philosophical, sometimes about history, and of course about faith.”

“I always find it a challenge to figure out what kind of people they are who come in. Some radiate a sense of desperation upon entering, while others have an attitude of: don’t bother me, I’m fine.”

It’s the challenge to make all those different types of people feel at home in the museum. He usually succeeds quite well, partly because the building exudes calm and history, which gives visitors a sense of security. “It’s always very personal actually. You don’t see people leave without saying goodbye.”

Rob is a host for half a day each week. In addition, there are occasional tasks, for example during concerts or lectures.

Colleagues

Within the museum, five paid staff members are active, supported by about thirty volunteers. “It’s a very diverse team, with people from different backgrounds, nationalities, and ages. There’s even an asylum seeker working here who is still in the process, which is amazing.”

Lutherans characterize themselves as ‘free and happy people,’ and Rob feels that in his work. What struck him immediately is the open attitude of the Lutheran community, with space for all beliefs and orientations.

The work in the museum gives him a lot of satisfaction. It also leaves plenty of room for geography, music, and long walks. A satisfied retiree, who proudly gives tours of the beautiful museum at farewell.

Do you also want to discover what volunteering can offer you?

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Interview: Piet Renooy
Photos: Peter Lange