Dutch American Heritage Foundation

What is the DAHEF?

The mission of the non-profit Dutch American Heritage Foundation is to create awareness of Dutch culture and achievements amongst Americans in California.  In 1991 President Bush proclaimed November 16 as Dutch American Heritage Day to commemorate the day in 1776 when the Netherlands was the first country to officially salute the flag of the newly independent United States of America.

Activities of the Dutch American Heritage Foundation include the annual summer concert by gifted young Dutch musicians and the annual fund raising gala dinner-dance on November 16.  Each year at the gala event one or two outstanding Americans of Dutch descent are honored and inducted into the Dutch American Hall of Fame.

Funds raised are used to support the summer concert and the California based Netherlands Social Service Organization which renders aid and assistance to needy persons of Dutch background.

The DAHEF, as such, has no members and the foundation is administered by a group of unpaid volunteer directors.