The KITLV was founded in 1851 as a ‘Vereniging’, a members’ association. From its establishment in 1851 up to 2001, the management of the KITLV was the responsibility of the Board of the ‘Vereniging’ or Learned Society on behalf of its approximately 1.500 members. As of January 1st, 2001, the KITLV became an institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW) based in Amsterdam. The KNAW now accounts for some 90 per cent of the budget of the KITLV, with the rest being provided by the Learned Society. The Learned Society remains the owner of all collections it has now entrusted to the KNAW-Institute KITLV, and has moreover perputuated its juridical position as publisher. The Board is structurally involved in a number of committees dealing with the KITLV Press, the research programmes, and so on, and is responsible for the programme of activities of the Learned Society.
In 2001 a history of 150 years KITLV was published by the KITLV Press: Maarten Kuitenbrouwer, Tussen oriëntalisme en wetenschap
Activities
The activities of the Learned Society are closely linked to those of the Institute and are directed towards both members and non-members. Annually a seminar is organized while regularly other activities like book launchings, talks, or movie presentations are held.
To assist in its activities, the Learned Society welcomes bequests and gifts either monetary or in kind (books, papers, archive, or photos). Potential donors can contact the secretary of the Learned Society (see below).
Special Acquisition Fund
Since March 2009 the Learned Society has founded a fund for special acquisitions. Unique and special purchases by KITLV for the benefit of its collections can be financed through this fund. Members of the Learned Society are welcome to make donations earmarked for this fund. Potential donors can contact the secretary of the Learned Society (see below).
Dr. Silvia W. de Groot fund
The late Dr Silvia W. de Groot, historian and lifetime honorary member of the Learned Society, left a legacy to KITLV with the aim of financially supporting young Caribbean students or researchers, preferably of Marron descent, with their research on Caribbean history or culture. The treasurer of the Learned Society, Dr. J.Th. Lindblad is in charge of the financial management of the fund, supported by the head of administration of KITLV
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Professor Teeuw Fund
The chairperson and treasurer of the Board of the ‘Vereniging KITLV’/ Learned Society are also the chairperson and treasurer of the Professor Teeuw Fund.
The Board of the Learned Society:
Prof.dr. S. Legêne (chairperson), VU University Amsterdam
Dr. J.Th. Lindblad (treasurer), Leiden University
Drs. M. Plomp, (vice chairperson)
Dr. J. Bakels (member), Groote Museum dierentuin Artis
Dr. L.N.K. van Broekhoven (member), Leiden University and National Museum of Ethnology
Dr. E. Captain (member), Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei
Dr. R. Jaffe (member), University of Amsterdam
Prof.dr. G.A. Persoon (member), Leiden University
Dr.ir. J.A.C. Vel (member), Van Vollenhoven Institute
Drs. P. Westerkamp (member), Tropenmuseum / Royal Tropical Institute
The Secretary of the Learned Society may be reached by email:
drs. Y. Siegers-Samaniri: kitlv@kitlv.nl