Draft:Halbertsma

Halbertsma coat of arms

Halbertsma is a Frisian patrician family that originates from Dokkum's surrounding area. The family, since the 16th century, consists, amongst others, of academics, industrialists, medical doctors, public administrators and preachers.

The family is mainly known for the role the Halbertsma brothers, minister Joost, Dr med Eeltje and Tjalling, played in the development of Frisian literature, (written) language and culture in the first half of the 19th century. Their collected literary work, Rimen & Teltsjes, belongs to the standard literature of Fryslân. Dr Eeltje's poem, the Alde Friezen, was established as the Frisian anthem. Joost Halbertsma's Lexicon Frisicum served as the outline for the first Frisian dictionary. He also donated his extensive collection of cultural-historical objects to the province of Friesland, which served as the basis for the present-day Fries Museum.[1] As part of his literary and scientific research and work he maintained a vast network and lively correspondence with prominent Dutch literary figures, such as Willem Bilderdijk, and with European greats, like the Danish linguist Rasmus Rask, the English poet Robert Southey, and the German linguist and fairytale-collector Jacob Grimm. Moreover, he was invited to join learned historical and linguistic societies in Leiden, Copenhagen, Berlin, Athens en Halle-Wittenberg.[2][3] Joost's commitment to preserving and developing the Frisian identity led to his inclusion in the Canon of Friesland. Also, the highest award for historical and scientific work related to Fryslân, the Dr Joast Halbertsmapriis, is named after him. In Grou, at the birthplace of the Halbertsma brothers, one can find the Halbertsmahûs, whose facade features the busts of Eeltje and Joost.[1]

Buste of dr. med. Eeltje Halbertsma as found on the facade of the Halbertsmahûs in Grou.
Buste of Ds. Joost Halbertsma as found on the facade of the Halbertsmahûs in Grou.

The descendants of the fourth brother, Binnert Halbertsma (1795-1847), played an important role in Grou and its surrounding area with the 'Halbertsma's Fabrieken voor Houtbewerking' until the end of the 20th century.[2] A similarly important role was played by the descendants of Tjalling Halbertsma (1792-1852) with the successful dairy and butter and cheese wholesale business 'Normandia' in Sneek. Tjalling's descendants were part of the city's notables and mostly based themselves on the Kleinzand;[4] here Johannes Halbertsma (1888-1958) and Herre Halbertsma (1920-1998) founded the Fries Scheepvaart Museum.

The current generations remain, as per family tradition, active in academia, medicine and business as well as public administration. The family is listed in volumes 5, 12, 15, 40 and 71 of the genealogical reference work Nederland's Patriciaat (hereafter NP).

  1. ^ Nieuwe encyclopedie van Fryslân. Bornmeer. 2016. ISBN 978-90-5615-375-5.
  2. ^ Breuker, Philippus H. (1993). Halbertsma, Brothers, Rimen en Teltsjes. Drachten: A.J. Osinga Utjouwerij. pp. 587–613. ISBN 9-06-06-64-892.
  3. ^ Rademaker-Helfferich. "Joost Hiddes Halbertsma (1789-1869)". Wie is wie in Overijssel.
  4. ^ Collectie | Fries Scheepvaart Museum

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