Our mission
Between 1940 and 1944, no one in the Zwin region and West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen was spared from war and hardship. This dark period forms the heart of the For Freedom Museum. We want to pass on this local history to future generations, so they realize that freedom is a precious achievement. Peace and tolerance are therefore the central messages the museum promotes every day.
1947Dennis Jones
Dennis Jones, a Normandy veteran from Crewe, Cheshire (UK), marries a girl from Knokke-Heist. The military uniform that Jones's father wore at his wedding will later become the first uniform in the collection.
1984 - 1994Three unique exhibitions
Danny Jones and Freddy Jones (sons of Dennis Jones) are organizing three unique exhibitions, along with Patrick Tiersoonne, at the Scharpoord Cultural Centre in Knokke-Heist. They traveled to faraway Canada with the late Constant Devroe (author of, among other works, "The Last White Flag") to interview the commanders of the time and thus delve deeper into history.
2005-2007Location
A location is being found for this extraordinary project. The Ramskapelle municipal school and its associated town hall, dating from 1876, are being restored. The layout and construction of the various scenes is being entrusted to artist Pierre Verbreyt, an authority on museum design.
April 25, 2009Opening
Opening of the For Freedom Museum by Minister of Defence Pieter De Crem, Governor of West Flanders Paul Breyne, and Mayor Count Leopold Lippens.
April 1, 2022Monty's Men
The opening of the exhibition "Monty's Men". On April 1, 2022, the For Freedom Museum opened a brand new wing to great interest from all the mayors from the Zwin region, ambassadors, representatives, military authorities from Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
June 16, 2023Wings For Freedom
The opening of the exhibition "Wings for Freedom." The For Freedom Museum is pleased to open a new wing in the presence of numerous ambassadors and dignitaries on Friday, June 16, 2023.
June 1, 2024Covered terrace
Official opening of the covered terrace. After the work is completed, our covered terrace will be available to visitors.
September 20, 2024Frans Desmidt Hall
Official opening of the Frans Desmidt Hall.
December 1, 2025New website
Our new website is online!