Grachtengordel in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Niek Engelschman
| — | Walk of Pride Amsterdam | — |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2026
1. Niek Engelschman Marker
Niek Engelschman
1913-1988
hij/hem he/him
Voormalig verzetsman Niek Engelschman richtte in 1946 het COC op, de oudste nog bestaande organisatie voor de regenbooggemeenschap ter wereld. Hij wilde de gemeenschap verenigen en het gesprek over sexuelle diversiteit stimuleren.
In 1946, Niek Engelschman, a member of the resistance, founded the COC, the world's oldest still-operating organization for the rainbow community. He aimed to unify the community and promote social dialogue on sexual diversity.
Erected 2026 by Walk of Pride Amsterdam. (Marker Number 18.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Walk of Pride Amsterdam series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.
Location. 52° 22.404′ N, 4° 53.285′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Grachtengordel. It is on Raadhuisstraat west of Singel, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Raadhuisstraat 16, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1016 DE, Netherlands.
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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 Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mary Zeldenrust Noordanus (here, next to this marker); Inge Intven (a few steps from this marker); Edgar Caïro (a few steps from this marker); Max Lievendag (a few steps from this marker); Tania Leon (a few steps from this marker); Stelly Hoeben (a few steps from this marker); Aaïcha Bergamin (a few steps from this marker); Dirkje Kuik (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Nico Engelschman (Wikipedia, in Dutch). (Submitted on September 29, 2026.)
2. Nico (Niek) Engelschman (Historical Materialism). Excerpt:
Nico (Niek) Engelschman (1913-1988) was a Dutch actor, resistance member, and pioneering gay-rights activist. During(Submitted on September 29, 2026.)the Nazi-occupation, members of the socialist group around the journal De Vonk (The Spark) met at his house. Together with his brother, Engelschman helped several Jews escape deportation by finding hiding places for them. He would later play down his activities during the occupation.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein2. Niek Engelschman Marker - wide view
After the war, he was one of the main founders of what is now the mainstream LGBT-rights organisation COC Nederland, supposedly the oldest existing LGBT organisation in the world. For a decade, he was the chair of the COC and for almost two decades he was its spokesperson.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 29, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
