Events
In 2026, Museum de Dorpsdokter will be forty years young. On 23 November 1984, the foundation stone was laid by Harry Ruhe. This general practitioner originally had a little museum with medical instruments at his practice on the Vrijthof.
After lengthy lobbying, Ruhe received municipal permission for a real museum under the mill on Doelenstraat. The opening was in 1986.
It is now forty years later, Harry Ruhe is no more, but we are sure he would be very proud about the current state of 'his' museum!
To mark its 40th anniversary, the museum is publishing a book highlighting 40 objects from the museum's showcases. These may be true masterpieces, but also objects that are less conspicuous but tell a great story. Some of the objects passing in review: the death shirt, a special yawner, a klister syringe, a stun cap and - last but not least - Piet Stams.
The jubilee book
The editors of the book are Bernadette Verschuren, Arthur van de Walle and André van Voorst. The book is on sale at Primera Peter Swaanen in Doelenstraat, Hilvarenbeek.
Hurry, as the print run is limited.
Lecture Hans van den Broek
Hans van den Broek physician/radiologist and author of Fever and Hunger. In this book, he talks captivatingly about medicine in rural areas in earlier times and about the diseases and ailments our ancestors suffered and died from. On this evening, he highlights the theme 'Midwives, foundlings and spots'.
Date: 4 June 2026
Time: from 20:00 to 21:30
Location: Museum de Dorpsdokter, Doelenstraat 51, 5081CK Hilvarenbeek
You can register by sending an email to secretaris@museumdedorpsdokter.nl
Lecture Jan Hein van Dierendonck
Jan Hein van Dierendonck is a biologist and the author of articles with catchy titles such as 'Searching where the disease is' or 'Insights from a piss viewer'. He is also a good draughtsman. Columns with his drawings appeared under the title 'Speechmakers' in Medisch Contact. He is coming to Hilvarenbeek for the lecture 'Hygiene at the maternity bedside'.
Date: 21 October 2026
Time: from 20:00 to 21:30
Location: Museum de Dorpsdokter, Doelenstraat 51, 5081CK Hilvarenbeek
You can register by sending an email to secretaris@museumdedorpsdokter.nl
