The Elton J. Bruins Memorial Library

The focus on research requires extensive use of books, pamphlets, maps, and other resources in the area of Dutch American studies. Rev. Dr. Elton J. Bruins’ gift of his collection of over 450 books was the beginning of this specialized research library and serves as its cornerstone.

Bruins also spent years collecting documents by and about Albertus Van Raalte. Documents were gathered from dozens of public and private collections, making a nearly exhaustive collection of his writings and reflections. The result is the Van Raalte Papers, accessible online.

The next major gift to the Bruins Library was received from Rev. Dr. Gerrit Ten Zythoff, professor emeritus, Southeast Missouri University, a noted scholar in Dutch American studies. After his retirement, he gave the bulk of his collection of Dutch works to the Institute. These books, many of which are rare and invaluable, are an important part of the collection.

The work of senior research fellows requires the purchase of materials and soliciting of contributions so the Bruins Library can become a premier resource in Dutch American studies.

The Van Raalte Institute is interested in:

• Copies of documents relating to Dutch migration in the 19th century
• Copies of documents relating to A. C. Van Raalte
• Works published in the Netherlands that relate to fields of interest and increase the understanding of the context out of which the Dutch immigrants came to America
• Selected publications that pertain to the research of the Institute and the current projects on which the fellows are working
• The minutes of the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America

The Institute does not collect original documents; these are housed in the Hope College Archives and Special Collections.