Family history
A timeline of old documents, memories, historic places and stories from different generations.
Explore our history →One family · One history · Many stories
The history of Geurts van Kessel
Welcome to our family archive. We are gathering our family's stories, family tree and photographs so they are not lost and can be preserved for future generations.
Our family in pictures
A photograph with a story
This historic group photograph provides an important starting point for our family research. Who are the people pictured, and when and where was the photograph taken?
Four tall men at the back. One family story we hope to uncover.
According to family recollections, the four men at the back are linked to the origins of different family branches. We still need to confirm their exact relationships using names and sources.
The young man beside the dog is believed to be an ancestor in the paternal Geurts van Kessel line. His name and exact relationship are still being researched.
The women in the photograph appear to be nuns. Their identities and any family relationships remain unknown. Adoption and other kinds of family connection are, of course, part of our family history too.
Details and colours in restored or colourised photographs may have been interpreted. The original JPG is kept separately.
Do you recognise anyone or know more? We are looking for names, the location and the approximate date. Share your information with us.
What will you find here?
A home for our entire family story
Our family archive is growing step by step. We are working on six sections to keep everything organised and easy to explore.
Family tree
An overview of generations and family branches, with respect for the privacy of living relatives.
View the family tree →Family businesses
Current and former businesses run by members of the Geurts van Kessel family, both large and small.
Explore family businesses →Notable achievements
From sport and science to art, education and other noteworthy achievements by family members.
View achievements →Photos & videos
Historic family photos, documents and videos, with original and restored versions wherever possible.
Browse the media archive →Help us build this archive
An old photograph, a family story or help with research and web development: every contribution matters.
How you can contribute →Preserving our heritage
From memories to history
Old albums, attics and family stories hold a wealth of valuable information. We want to gather it before it is lost.
Over time, this will become a family archive that is not only enjoyable to browse but is also carefully organised and can be expanded by future generations.
CollectPhotographs, names, memories and documents.
ResearchCompare sources and verify family relationships.
DocumentExpand the family tree, timeline and life stories.
PreserveKeep our family history accessible for future generations.
Entrepreneurship in the family
Family businesses and organisations
From metalworking and engineering to IT, care and administration, seven organisations have now been added to our family archive.
Geurts van Kessel Wearparts
Development and supply of wear-resistant machinery components for agriculture, forestry and recycling, among other sectors.
Visit the website ↗Geurts van Kessel Hardfacing
Hardfacing and refurbishment of industrial machine parts.
Visit the website ↗Geurts van Kessel Engineering
Engineering, technical design, 3D modelling and custom solutions.
Visit the website ↗Your contribution counts
Help preserve our family history
Do you have old photographs, family stories, names, documents or information about a family branch? Or would you like to help develop and maintain the website? We would love you to join in.
WhatsApp groupFor relatives, questions, photos and additional information
Discord communityFor discussion and help with the website
Emailnickgvk@gmail.com
This website is being developed by Nick Geurts van Kessel.