Jaap Hogendoorn
Netherlands
Affiliation: Springlevend Verleden – Historical Productions
Member since: 2016
Topics of Interest: Communication and outreach, Construction of buildings, Education, teaching, and training, Living history, Museum management, Weapons
Focus areas: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman Era, Viking age, Early Middle Ages, Late Middle Ages, Newer Era
My name is Jaap Hogendoorn, founder of Springlevend Verleden – Historical Productions, based in the Netherlands. I have been a member of EXARC since 2016 and have been actively involved in living history, experimental archaeology, and historical interpretation for most of my life.
My fascination with history began at a young age. As a child, I spent much of my time reading about the past and recreating it through play, crafting my own bows, swords, and equipment. At the age of twelve, I joined the Dutch Youth Association for History, where I was introduced to experimental archaeology, historical reconstruction, and hands-on research. This experience laid the foundation for my professional career.
For many years, I worked at Archeon, an archaeological open-air museum in the Netherlands. There I held various roles, including head of the construction and furniture workshop and coordinator of historical performances. During this time, I developed strong practical skills in traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and woodworking, as well as in historical combat, public demonstrations, and educational storytelling.
In 2015, I founded Springlevend Verleden to apply this experience more broadly. Through this organisation, I design and coordinate historical events, reconstructions, workshops, demonstrations, and theatrical performances. Our work spans from Prehistory to the 17th century and focuses on authenticity, audience engagement, and education. We collaborate with museums, cultural institutions, festivals, and educational organisations to make the past tangible and accessible to a wide audience.
Within EXARC, I value the exchange of knowledge, research-based practice, and international collaboration. I look forward to sharing experiences, learning from fellow members, and contributing to the development of high-quality living history and experimental archaeology.
Open for research collaboration in the following topics
Living history, Museum management
Available for work in open-air museums or at cultural heritage events with demonstration skills in
Construction of buildings, Education, teaching, and training, Living history, Museum management, New media, weapons
Happy to mentor and share my experience in the following skills
Construction of buildings, Education, teaching, and training, Museum management, New media, Weapons
Looking for collaborators to help with my research in the following topic
Education, teaching, and training, Living history, New media