Pieter Dircksz Hasselaer

Pieter Dircksz Hasselaar was a prominent Dutch merchant (brewer) and shipowner, known for his courage as an officer of the Harlem Civic Militia during the Spanish siege in 1572-1573.

Initially a manager of the brewery of Andries Boelens, Pieter bought his own breweries, the “Eagle” and the “Witte Arent” in 1587 and 1611. His mercantile interests extended as far as the White Sea, Portugal and Spain. Moreover, Pieter was also one of the founders of the Dutch East India Company, and among the governors of the Compagnie van Verre, which was a forerunner of the Dutch East India Company. He also owned land in Heerhugowaard and Texel.

Besides being a successful businessman, Hasselaar was also an important public figure and served as an alderman of Amsterdam and member of the city council.