Historische Collectie Verbindingsdienst
Volunteer-run collection on the history of the Dutch Signal Corps at the Bernhard Barracks – free admission, registration required.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Historische Collectie Verbindingsdienst (HC Vbdd) grew out of the former Museum Verbindingsdienst in Ede. That museum closed on 1 June 2009 because its site was sold for housing; after years of uncertainty during the defence budget cuts, the collection opened in Amersfoort on 18 February 2015 under its current name, as a "historical collection" rather than a formal museum.
The exhibition tells the story of the signal corps of the Dutch army and the military use of communications in five periods of 50 years each, from 1800 to 2050: from optical and acoustic signals through cable telephony and telegraphy and the radio links of the world wars to digitalisation and data communications. There is also electronic warfare, as well as display cases with historical uniforms and traditional items. On show are radio sets, spy radios and cipher machines, among other things, many of them in working order and demonstrated by volunteers.
Beside the exhibition hall there is an extensive archive, an information desk and the regimental hall of the Verbindingstroepen regiment with the original regimental banner. The collection is aimed mainly at serving and former soldiers and defence staff, but also at technology enthusiasts and students on technical vocational courses. It receives no subsidies and relies on donations, sponsors and friends; it is run by volunteers, mostly from among serving and former signallers.
Highlights
- Radio sets, spy radios and cipher machines from the 19th century to today
- Five periods from 1800 to 2050 with a look into the future
- Working equipment demonstrated by volunteers
- Regimental hall with the original regimental banner
- Virtual tour online
Permanent exhibition
- Geschichte der Fernmeldetruppe, 1800–2050 – Five periods from 1800 to 2050 show signal links, telegraphy, radio, digitalisation and data communications in the service of the Dutch army.
- Operated by
- Stichting Historische Collectie Verbindingsdienst (Regiment Verbindingstroepen)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups (6+ people) | –Group visits on other weekdays by arrangement for a fee. |
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Free admission, voluntary donation welcome. Friends of the collection pay at least €15 per year.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The collection is in Building C of the Bernhard Barracks; access is via the barracks guardhouse.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Operates on a military site: note the registration and ID requirements. The collection is designed to be interactive, and much of it is also available online (virtual 3D tour). |
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