This book tells the 140-year history of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam through 28 objects. For each five years in the university’s history, we have selected an object from the VU heritage collections that is characteristic of this period because it originates from this era or because it is associated with an important contemporary event. Various guest authors reflect on the significance the object has today. thus, heritage is made to serve as a bridge between the past and the present, creating an opportunity for reflection on how to relate to this past.