Q: What was the legacy of New Netherland?

A: The Dutch maintained control of New Netherland until the English took power in the mid 17th century. Despite the takeover, the Dutch cultural legacy continues through the names of cities such as Staten Island and Yonkers, as well as the many Dutch words which have been incorporated into the English language, including golf, skating, drum, Yankee stove, and dollar. The Dutch also established one of the most important cities in the world, New Amsterdam, which would become New York City. Most importantly, of course, in the treaties handing over control of the colony, the Dutch ensured that the extensive rights and freedoms their citizens enjoyed would continue under English rule — and indeed, they have survived to this day.

The story of the Dutch in the New World, starting with Henry Hudson's voyage for the Dutch East India Company in 1609, demonstrates the continuing effect of history on modern society. Had Captain Hudson not disobeyed his orders, and had simply returned to Amsterdam instead of crossing the Atlantic, our world would now be very different. This is our history, and we are reliving it.

—Rachel Laufer