Monnickendam in Waterland, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

B.A.A. Smeeman

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 19, 2025

1. B.A.A. Smeeman Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1898 stichte
B.A.A. Smeeman
Pastoor te Monnickendam
de Congegatie der Zusters
Ursulinen de Bergen

In 1997
werd deze steen onthuld door
Theresia Maria Jong
de laatste der hier woonachtige Zusters

(English translation:)
In 1898, B.A.A. Smeeman, Pastor of Monnickendam, founded the Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of Bergen. In 1997, this tablet was unveiled by Theresia Maria Jong, the last of the Sisters living here.

Erected 1997.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 52° 27.61′ N, 5° 2.114′ E. Marker is in Monnickendam, Noord-Holland (North Holland), in Waterland. It is on Noordeinde, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Noordeinde 21M, Monnickendam, Noord-Holland 1141, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

the Benelux Low Countries,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire

and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: R.K. Parochiekerk H.H. Nicolaas en Antonius / Sts. Nicholas and Anthony Parish Church (a few steps from this marker);

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Monnickendam Jewish Deportation Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); “De Vergulde Eenhoorn” / “The Gilded Unicorn” (within shouting distance of this marker); Speeltoren / Bell Tower (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Andries Witmond (about 120 meters away); Philip Benjamin Witmond (about 120 meters away); Leo Hordijk Memorial (about 240 meters away); Doopsgezinde Vermaning / Mennonite Meeting House (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monnickendam.

Also see . . . Repertorium van Nederlandse zendings- en missie-archieven 1800-1960 (Huygens Inst., in Dutch). Excerpt (in translation):

The Ursuline congregation of Bergen (North Holland) was founded in Monnikendam in 1898 by Pastor B.A.A. Smeeman (1853-1912). He had made great efforts to attract Ursuline nuns from Eysden to his parish to take on teaching duties. Thus, in 1907, an independent Ursuline congregation was established, with its motherhouse in Bergen (North Holland province). The congregation specialized in education. By 1928,
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 19, 2025

2. B.A.A. Smeeman Marker - as seen from the church steps
it had 16 houses, all in the Netherlands.

(Submitted on January 29, 2026.)

Additional keywords. nuns, Gedenkplaat

B.A.A. Smeeman Marker - as seen (partially obscured) from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 19, 2025

3. B.A.A. Smeeman Marker - as seen (partially obscured) from the street

The building to which the marker is attached served as the Sisters’ quarters from 1898 to 1969.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 25 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 29, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.