Vereniging/Membership

The KITLV was founded in 1851 as a ‘Vereniging’, a members’ association. From its establishment in 1851 up to 2001, the management of the KITLV was the responsibility of the Board of the ‘Vereniging’ or Learned Society on behalf of its approximately 1.500 members. As of January 1st, 2001, the KITLV became an institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW) based in Amsterdam. The KNAW now accounts for some 90 per cent of the budget of the KITLV, with the rest being provided by the Learned Society. The Learned Society remains the owner of all collections it has now entrusted to the KNAW-Institute KITLV, and has moreover perputuated its juridical position as publisher. The Board is structurally involved in a number of committees dealing with the KITLV Press, the research programmes, and so on, and is responsible for the programme of activities of the Learned Society.

In 2001 a history of 150 years KITLV was published by the KITLV Press: Maarten Kuitenbrouwer, Tussen oriëntalisme en wetenschap

The activities of the Learned Society are closely linked to those of the Institute and are directed towards both members and non-members. Annually a seminar is organized while regularly other activities like book launchings, talks, or movie presentations are held.

To assist in its activities, the Learned Society welcomes bequests and gifts either monetary or in kind (books, papers, archive, or photos). Potential donors can contact the secretary of the Learned Society (see below).

Since March 2009 the Learned Society has founded a fund for special acquisitions. Unique and special purchases by KITLV for the benefit of its collections can be financesd throught this fund. Members of the Learned Society are welcome to make donations earmarked for this fund. Potential donors can contact the secretary of the Learned Society (see below).

The Board of the Learned Society:
Prof.dr P.J.M. Nas (Chairperson)
Dr. J.Th. Lindblad (Treasurer)
Dr. J. Bakels
Dr. A.E. Bijnaar
Drs. E. Bogaerts
Dr. E. Captain (as of September)
Dr. F. Colombijn
Dr. R. Jaffe
Dr. H. de Jonge (Vice chairperson) 
Drs. M. Plomp 
Drs. P. Westerkamp

The Secretary of the Learned Society may be reached by email:
drs. Y. Siegers-Samaniri: siegers@kitlv.nl