Van Heemstra

Van Heemstra is a family that belongs to the Dutch nobility. Of Frisian origin, the genealogy of the family begins with Taecke Obbema Heemstra, mentioned as a voting representative (nobleman) in Oostergo in 1492. After the founding of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in November 1813, the Frisian nobility was integrated. In 1814 the Van Heemstra family was recognized as belonging to Dutch nobility with the title of baron.

Notable members

• Baron Schelto van Heemstra (1804-1864), Dutch politician.
• Baron Aarnoud van Heemstra (1871–1957), father of Ella baroness van Heemstra and grandfather of Audrey Hepburn.
• The mother of Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn was Ella baroness van Heemstra (1900–1984).

Coat of arms

The coat of arms of the family is in blue a golden eagle.

Literature

• T. Voerman, Van Heemstra, genealogische aantekeningen betreffende het geslacht van Heemstra tot het eind der 19e eeuw, Amsterdam: 1989. (in Dutch).
• Nederlands Adelsboek, jaargang 84 (Den Haag, 1994). (in Dutch)