Talkshow Oostenburg #9 – het Tonia Stieltjesplein
On Thursday evening, September 25, you’re warmly invited to a special edition of the Talkshow Oostenburg, organized by Stichting Over de Brug.
This evening focuses entirely on the new name of the neighborhood’s future meeting place: Tonia Stieltjesplein.
We’ll explore the life and legacy of this remarkable woman.
Mark the date in your calendar!
📅 Thursday, September 25, 2025
🕗 20:00 – 21:30
📍 Buurtkamer Over de Brug, Isaac Titsinghkade 123
Who was Tonia Stieltjes?
Tonia Stieltjes was born in 1881 on the Czaar Peterstraat, the first child of a Surinamese brewer and an Amsterdam housemaid.
She grew up in Kattenburg, then a very multicultural neighborhood.
Tonia became known as a model for the painter Jan Sluijters and a close friend of Piet Mondrian.
But above all, she stood out as the first and only female trade union leader of color in Dutch history.
What’s on the program?
The evening includes several speakers who will share stories and insights about Tonia’s life and importance.
Speakers include:
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Esther Schreuder – Tonia’s biographer, author of “Tonia Stieltjes. Activist, Model and Force of Will”, and guest curator of a Tonia exhibition at the Singer Museum in Laren.
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Annemarie de Wildt – former curator at the Amsterdam Museum, co-author of Slavery History Guide Amsterdam (2014) and Slavery History Guide Curaçao (2025), and member of the Public Space Naming Advisory Board (ANOR).
The evening concludes with short remarks from:
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Egbert Dekker, Director of Real Estate & Development at Stadgenoot, and
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Lotte Terwel, City District Executive for Amsterdam Centrum.
They will share why community participation matters in naming this new public square.
Photo: (c) Iris Kensmil, Tonia Stieltjes, 2023.
Photo by Gert Jan van Rooij
Courtesy: Ferdinand van Dieten Office
Foto: (c) Iris Kensmil, Tonia Stieltjes, 2023. (ph) Gert Jan van Rooij Courtesy: Ferdinand van Dieten Office
Want more info?
If you have questions about the talk show, contact program curator Eddy Appels at: programmering@overdebrug-oostenburg.nl
Or 06 – 22 07 54 28.
