Amsterdam’s Harbor Boom: 1919 in Vibrant Color!

This captivating colorized footage unveils Amsterdam’s thriving harbor in 1919—over a century ago—offering a vibrant glimpse into the Netherlands’ second-largest port, bustling with activity before the Zuiderzee’s closure by the Afsluitdijk on September 23, 1933, transforming it into the IJsselmeer. In 1919, the harbor still enjoyed open access to the North Sea via the Zuiderzee, but by 1896, the 21km Noordzeekanaal (dug in the 19th century) provided a direct route, requiring ships to pass the massive sea locks at IJmuiden, a connection that endures today. The film captures ships loading cargo, cranes swinging, and wharves teeming with workers, all in vivid hues. With a detailed timeline guiding your journey, this restored archive grips history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and Dutch culture lovers, offering a breathtaking peek at Amsterdam’s maritime golden age frozen in time.