The aim of the Groningen’s Historic Churches Foundation is: To preserve historic churches in the province of Groningen and to promote an appreciation of them.
The Stichting Oude Groninger Kerken was established on May 13, 1969 at a time when many churches threatened to fall into serious and unacceptable decay. Thanks to the initiative of a group of very dedicated and motivated enthusiasts the foundation was set up for the purpose of safeguarding these derelict churches as religious heritage.
Groningen Historic Churches Foundation has the goal to protect, restore, and maintain religious cultural heritage situated in the province of Groningen (the Netherlands) as well as to enhance interest and share knowledge of it. They are also one of MOMAr's stakeholders. We conversed with Patty Wageman, director of the Foundation, to learn about their model of management for this singular heritage.
The interview with Patty Wageman
The Foundation endeavours to achieve its goal by:
a. purchasing, saving, restoring and managing monumental churches and their outbuildings and grounds and making them accessible to the public;
b. using the buildings and grounds for a purpose that is in keeping with their character as much as possible;
c. any other means that can help achieve the goal (articles 1 and 2 of the statutes).
Groningen’s Historic Churches Foundation is committed to safeguarding both the fabric and function of Groningen’s monumental churches and their environment. Fabric and function go hand in hand, because these old churches are not just valuable historic buildings, they are also meeting places and they always have been.
Who we are
Name: Stichting Oude Groninger Kerken
Location: Groningen
Legal form: foundation
Statutes SOGK: June 2011
Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VAT number: NL 002890604801 Chamber of Commerce number: 41009261
RSIN (Legal Entities and Partnership Information number): 0028.90.604
In the coming period we will take a critical look at the visible effects of growth on our organization up to now. We will also look at the expected effects of further growth. We are aware of the dynamics of social change and what this means for our organization. It is important that we remain open to learning and development and that we adapt our policy when necessary. It is our ambition to be an effective, flexible and reflective organization. We will safeguard continuity when carrying out our work. To exploit new opportunities we will seek partnerships. Together we are strong.