Legacy: Preserving History, Telling Weidner’s Story

Much of our work has centered on preserving the history and memory of John Weidner and the Dutch-Paris Line.  When the Foundation was formed in 1996, we became the official archive of a large trove of invaluable primary documents and artifacts related to the Line.  In 2006, we transferred these vital historical materials from our original home at Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts to the Hoover Institute at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.  Our work today includes continuing to expand the Weidner Collection by adding new documents, interviews, and other materials to the archive on an ongoing basis.  In addition, we are working to preserve history and tell Weidner’s story through a variety of mediums, including books, articles, and films.

Education: Supporting Students and Scholars

The Weidner Foundation is not attached to any educational institution but has education as a primary objective.  We support scholars doing original research on John Weidner and the Dutch-Paris Line.  Historian Megan Koreman’s book, The Escape Line, funded through grants from the Foundation, is a reflection of our commitment to supporting rigorous, original research on the Line.  In addition, we are committed to helping to support students who are engaged in various forms of selfless action to improve the lives of others.  There is currently a Weidner Chapter at Butler University in Indiana that provides an annual scholarship award to two deserving Butler students, and we are working to develop a national network of student chapters at other universities.

Action: Making a Difference Today

The Foundation is now exploring partnering with other organizations to help protect refugees and asylum seekers whose lives are in peril today.  More information coming soon.