# Royal Netherlands Historical Society > national historical society in the Netherlands **Wikidata**: [Q64214320](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q64214320) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Netherlands_Historical_Society) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/royal-netherlands-historical-society ## Summary The Royal Netherlands Historical Society (Koninklijk Nederlands Historisch Genootschap), commonly known as KNHG, is a national historical society and research institute based in the Netherlands. Established in 1845, the organization serves as an open-access publisher and is headquartered in Utrecht. It holds the Royal predicate ("Koninklijk"), signifying its esteemed status within the country. ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Koninklijk Nederlands Historisch Genootschap. - **Common Abbreviation:** KNHG. - **Founded:** 1845. - **Location:** Headquarters are in Utrecht, Netherlands. - **Type of Organization:** National historical society, research institute, open-access publisher, and regulatory college. - **Royal Status:** Awarded the predicate "Koninklijk" (Royal). - **Current Chairperson:** Henk te Velde (term began November 29, 2019). - **Previous Chairperson:** Susan Legêne (served from 2011 to November 29, 2019). - **International Membership:** Member of the International Committee of Historical Sciences. - **Website:** https://knhg.nl/ (Primary language: Dutch). ## FAQs ### Q: What does the KNHG do? A: The Royal Netherlands Historical Society functions as a national historical society and research institute. Additionally, it operates as an open-access publisher, facilitating the dissemination of historical knowledge. ### Q: When was the Royal Netherlands Historical Society founded? A: The society was founded in 1845. ### Q: Who is the current chairperson of the KNHG? A: As of November 29, 2019, the chairperson is Henk te Velde. He succeeded Susan Legêne, who served from 2011. ### Q: Where is the society located? A: The headquarters of the Royal Netherlands Historical Society is located in Utrecht, Netherlands. ## Why It Matters The Royal Netherlands Historical Society plays a critical role in the preservation and study of Dutch history. As the national historical society of the Netherlands, it acts as a central hub for historians and researchers. Its designation as a research institute and open-access publisher highlights its commitment to not only studying history but also ensuring that historical findings are accessible to a broad audience, moving beyond traditional paywalled academic publishing. The organization's significance is further underscored by its receipt of the Royal predicate, a mark of distinction granted by the Dutch Royal House. This honor reflects the society's long-standing reputation and service to the nation since its inception in 1845. By maintaining a seat on the International Committee of Historical Sciences, the KNHG also ensures that Dutch historical scholarship remains connected to and influential within the global academic community. ## Notable For - **Long-standing History:** Founded in 1845, representing nearly two centuries of continuous operation. - **Royal Distinction:** Holding the "Koninklijk" (Royal) predicate, a prestigious honor in the Netherlands. - **Publishing Access:** Operating as an open-access publisher, distinguishing it from more restrictive academic bodies. - **Global Integration:** Being a member of the International Committee of Historical Sciences. - **Research Leadership:** Classification as a research institute associated with the journal *Bijdragen en Mededelingen Betreffende de Geschiedenis der Nederlanden*. ## Body ### Organizational History and Status The Koninklijk Nederlands Historisch Genootschap (KNHG) was established in 1845. It is based in the city of Utrecht, Netherlands. The organization has been recognized with the Royal predicate, a status confirmed by references from the Dutch Royal House. This status is reflected in its official name, which includes "Koninklijk" (Royal). ### Leadership and Governance The society is governed by a chairperson. * **Susan Legêne** served as chairperson from 2011 until November 29, 2019. * **Henk te Velde** assumed the role of chairperson on November 29, 2019. The organization is registered with a Chamber of Commerce (KvK) ID of 40478363 and is also classified as a regulatory college. ### Research and Publishing Activities The KNHG is classified as a research institute and an open-access publisher. Its publishing activities are historically linked to the journal *Bijdragen en Mededelingen Betreffende de Geschiedenis der Nederlanden*. As a research entity, its primary purpose is the conduct and facilitation of historical research. ### International Affiliations The society maintains an active presence in the global historical community. It is a listed member of the International Committee of Historical Sciences (Comité International des Sciences Historiques - CISH), as verified by archives from November 30, 2025. ### Identifiers and Digital Presence * **Website:** https://knhg.nl/ (Dutch) * **VIAF ID:** 139879791 * **Library of Congress Authority ID:** no99083930 * **OpenCorporates ID:** nl/40478363 * **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11flgq82ky * **Yale LUX ID:** group/6e02c3ad-9447-4f84-8dfe-ecc3bbaa503f ## References 1. [2019](https://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/onderwerpen/onderscheidingen/predicaat-koninklijk/overzicht-predicaat-koninklijk) 2. Society Open Access Research (SOAR) Catalog 3. [Directory of Open Access Journals](http://www.bmgn-lchr.nl/about/editorialpolicies/) 4. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20251130151208/https://www.cish.org/index.php/en/members/national-committees/) 5. [Source](https://knhg.nl/2019/12/02/henk-te-velde-nieuwe-voorzitter-knhg/)