What Was New Netherland?

Mabee Farm

Have you ever wondered what life was like for Dutch families who settled in New Netherland? Visit the home of Jan Mabee. His father came to North America from the Netherlands, and in 1706, Jan built this house on the banks of the Mohawk River near Schenectady. Today, the house is part of the Schenectady County Historical Society’s Mabee Farm Historic Site, where visitors can learn about the lives of the Mabee family and other families who settled along the Mohawk River during colonial times. To learn more, visit the Mabee Farm’s website.
Where in New Netherland did they live?
In 1664, the two major population centers in New Netherland were New Amsterdam (New York City) and Beverwijck (Albany, New York). Dutch settlers lived in towns and villages as far south as New Amstel (New Castle, Delaware) and as far north and west as Schenectady, New York.
About the New Netherland Institute
For over three decades, NNI has helped cast light on America's Dutch roots. In 2010, it partnered with the New York State Office of Cultural Education to establish the New Netherland Research Center, with matching funds from the State of the Netherlands. NNI is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. More
The New Netherland Research Center
Housed in the New York State Library, the NNRC offers students, educators, scholars and researchers a vast collection of early documents and reference works on America's Dutch era. More
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By supporting NNI you help increase awareness of the 17th century Dutch colony of New Netherland and its legacy in America.