Benedicte Helegeer – Unveiling Belgium’s architecture and history

I was born in Bruges, Belgium. When I was 10, I received a computer game about Tutankhamun and have been fascinated by Ancient Egypt ever since. Eight years later, I began studying Archaeology at the University of Leuven, with a minor in Egyptology. I’ve recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Archaeology and have now completed a Master’s in European Studies. I’m also the author of  the blog “Heritage on the GO” where I publish stories about heritage based on my travels in Belgium.

 

(Biography courtesy of heritagevolunteers.eu; updated by ARCH)



More about what I do and why

From a very young age I was first fascinated by Ancient Egypt and all its heritage. Then I began my studies in archaeology and learned that you don't have to look far to find fascinating heritage and history I also learned to appreciate my local heritage even more and really see the value of it. There is a story everywhere!
I started my own blog: "Heritage on the GO", where I write about Belgian heritage. I am also part of "Heritage Times", a website where stories related to European cultural heritage are shared, I am the Belgian volunteer. Now social media is also more important, so I try to respond to that with my Instagram account. The most gratifying part is when an article is finished and it's picked up by the museum or heritage site you wrote about and people are actually interested in what you wrote about. I enjoy every stage of the process, but of course I have to pay for entrance to the museums/ heritage sites, so it's not cheap. I never thought somebody would read my blog, to see that people where actually reading my blog from all over the world and enjoy reading about heritage is very gratifying. It's fantastic to see that the public is interested in heritage and see the value of it.People like writing in your own style and adding lots of pictures / using Instagram. Don't give up! I am writing articles now for almost a year and of course not everything goes as planned. I wish I could've written a lot more in this year, but sometimes you just don't find the time.
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What I’ve learned

As long as you are passionate about your local heritage/history, people will be interested and will see the value of the heritage. So whatever you do in the heritage field, don’t give up, it’s worth it!  

How I work

  • Blogging
  • Writing articles
  • Sharing on social media

Connect with me

  • “Heritage on the GO” – My blog, where I share often-missed perspectives of built environments and related cultural heritage throughout Belgium and other places in Europe.
  • My Instagram account, that accompanies my blog. You can see some of my photos in the gallery below.
  • Read my articles and other articles about European cultural heritage on the Heritage Times website.