De Mastboom-Brosens Stichting staat centraal in dit gesprek, waarin de geschiedenis en de toekomst van het Mastboomhuis worden belicht. Host en gasten Cees Vanwesenbeeck en Maarten van den Oord delen hun persoonlijke connectie met de stichting en het erfgoed dat het vertegenwoordigt. De stichting, opgericht op basis van de wensen van Henri Mastboom, heeft als doel de genealogie en cultuurhistorie van de regio West-Brabant en de Noorderkempen te bevorderen. De gasten bespreken ook de unieke kenmerken van het Mastboomhuis, dat een tijdcapsule is van de levensstijl van de familie Mastboom, met veel originele elementen die bewaard zijn gebleven. Verder wordt er gekeken naar de initiatieven die de stichting steunt, zoals culturele projecten en educatieve activiteiten, om de regionale geschiedenis onder de aandacht te brengen en te behouden voor toekomstige generaties.

Nestled in the heart of West Brabant, the Mastboom Brosens Foundation stands as a testament to familial legacy and cultural preservation. The podcast dives into the rich history behind the foundation, detailing how Henri Mastboom, who passed away in 1999, meticulously outlined his wishes regarding his estate in his will as early as 1981. His vision included the establishment of a center for genealogical and regional historical research in the house where he lived his entire life. The foundation has evolved over the years, adapting to the changing needs of the community while striving to uphold Mastboom's original intentions. The dialogue between the host and the guests, Cees Vanwesenbeeck and Maarten van den Oord, reveals the foundation's commitment to supporting cultural initiatives in West Brabant and the Northern Kempen, ensuring that local history is not just preserved but actively celebrated through various projects and grants.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners are taken on a journey through the architectural significance of the Mastboom House itself. The house, a 19th-century gem, remains largely intact with its original furnishings, reflecting the lifestyle of a well-to-do family from a bygone era. From the historical significance of the home to the careful restoration work undertaken to maintain its authenticity, the guests emphasize the importance of preserving not just the structure but the stories it holds. They discuss the measures taken to ensure the house remains a living museum, where visitors can experience the atmosphere of the past, complete with antiquities that speak to the family's affluent yet modest lifestyle. The podcast beautifully encapsulates the dual mission of the Mastboom Brosens Foundation: to honor the past while fostering a vibrant cultural future in the region.

Takeaways:

• The Mastboom-Brosens Foundation was established following Henri Mastboom's wishes for preserving his family's estate.
• Cees Vanwesenbeeck joined the foundation because of his legal background and connection to the area.
• Maarten van den Oord highlights the importance of genealogy and cultural heritage to the foundation's mission.
• The foundation funds cultural and historical projects in West Brabant and the Noorderkempen regions.
• The Mastboom house, preserved as a historical site, reflects the lifestyle of a 19th-century wealthy family.
• Future plans for the Mastboom house include digital archiving and public engagement initiatives.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.mastboomhuis.nl