Lecture: Villa Karelstein

Historian Ton Kox will give a lecture on the history of Villa Karelstein and ’t Witte Huis in Helmond.

The event is organized by the Barthold van Heessel Local History Society and will take place at De Couwenberg. Ton Kox has lived in ’t Witte Huis since 2021 and conducted extensive research into the property on the Kanaaldijk. In his lecture, he outlines the development of the building from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present day. Topics covered include the origins of the complex, its various functions over the years, and the role of industry. In the early twentieth century, a straw casing factory was established on the site, followed later by a corrugated cardboard factory that was significant for the region. The Second World War will also receive attention. The history of the Jewish Van Dam family and the consequences of the occupation form an important part of the story. After the war, the building fell into disrepair and was severely damaged by fire in 1999. Ultimately, it was restored and preserved.