This gallery preserves the visual history of the Van Dyke family—from Dutch colonial artwork depicting New Netherland, through Revolutionary War paintings, to family photographs and cherished artifacts like the legendary Inmates' Watch. Many images are awaiting contribution from family archives.
Click any image to view it in detail. Images marked "Coming Soon" indicate materials currently being compiled from family collections.
Featured Collection
Benjamin's Glass Plates
93 glass plate photographs from circa 1890s-1920s capturing pioneer life in Oklahoma Territory. Benjamin Franklin Van Dyke documented his world through this cutting-edge photography technology, preserving scenes that would otherwise be lost to time.
Battle of Monmouth
historical19th century painting
Historical painting depicting the Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778, where William Van Dyck served with Captain Vroom's company.
New Amsterdam (New York)
historicalc. 1650-1653
Jan Vinckeboons drawing showing New Amsterdam, the Dutch colonial settlement that preceded New York City. The Van Dyke family's ancestral homeland before moving to New Jersey.
William Van Dyck
portraits1756-1807
Revolutionary War patriot who fought at the Battle of Monmouth with Captain Vroom's Somerset County company.
Benjamin Franklin Van Dyke
portraits1862-1940s
Oklahoma Territory lawyer and penitentiary warden. Received the legendary Inmates' Watch from grateful prisoners in 1908.
Peter Van Dyke
portraitsVan Dyke family member, part of the extended family lineage.
Henry Lazrus Van Dyke
portraitsVan Dyke family member, part of the extended family lineage.
Claire Van Dyke
portraitsVan Dyke family member, part of the extended family lineage.
Hollis Arnett
portraitsConnected to the Van Dyke family through the Arnett line, related to Lenore Arnett Young.
The Inmates' Watch (Front)
artifacts1908
Gold watch presented to warden Benjamin Franklin Van Dyke by grateful prisoners. The legendary family heirloom that became a symbol of humane prison management.
The Inmates' Watch (Back)
artifacts1908
Back of the watch showing the inscription from the prisoners to their warden. A remarkable testament to mutual respect.
The Inmates' Watch (Detail)
artifacts1908
Detailed view of the gold watch craftsmanship and inscription.
Captain Vroom's Recruits
documentsRevolutionary War era
Historical document listing Captain Abraham Vroom's Somerset County company recruits, including William Van Dyck.
William Van Dyke Memorial
documentsHistorical record
Memorial document honoring William Van Dyck's service and life.
Family Tree: Descendants of William Van Dyke
mapsGenealogical chart showing the lineage from Revolutionary War patriot William Van Dyck through multiple generations.
Coming Soon
Awaiting Family Archives
Lenore Arnett Young
portraits1918-2018
Century-spanning life from WWI to digital age. Photos from various life periods being compiled from family archives.
📸 Contribute to the Gallery
Do you have family photographs, documents, or artifacts related to the Van Dyke family history? We welcome contributions to help build a comprehensive visual archive spanning four centuries.
- Family portraits (any era)
- Historical documents (letters, certificates, newspaper articles)
- Photographs of family gatherings
- Images of family artifacts (the Inmates' Watch, etc.)
- Military service records or photos
- Homestead or property photographs
All contributions will be properly credited and preserved as part of the family's digital archive. Contact family members coordinating this project to share your materials.
All historical images are from public domain sources. View full image credits