400 years ago : booming Dutch exploration.

The 17th century is considered the Golden Age of Dutch exploration, trade and expansion.
To the surprise of the major European players of the time, "out of the blue" a new world power emerged. Also Dutch people nowadays find it difficult to believe, that this small country once dominated the world seas, and could wage war first against Spain, later against England, France and the Germans at the same time. And prevail ! For a couple of decades anyway.
Backgrounds on what caused that explosion of energy on page into the world.
This expansion had (for better or for worse) an impact on many other parts of the world. With the buttons left you can go to some of the regions concerned.

If you're curious what Holland must have looked like in this era of exploration, you'll find 17th century houses in Amsterdam and elsewhere, of course. But for a flavour of those days, the smaller fortified towns are probably more appropriate.

Leiden.

In beautiful old Leiden, there's a special focus on the historic links this town has with the USA (The Pelgrims) and Japan.
The Pelgrims in Leiden : www.pilgrimarchives.nl, and the cosy American Pilgrim Museum .
On the special relation with Japan, more on www.japanleiden.nl.
Many other interesting places and museums there (click here for overview), like the fabulous RMO, the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden).
Leiden is only a short train ride from Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport (check Train timetables). From the station you walk directly into the old town.

For an overview of Dutch museums and exhibitions, see page links , scroll down to the chapter "What's on - Agenda".