Tresoar is the Frisian word for treasure chest. And that word says it all, because Tresoar is the repository of Frisian history and literature. The organisation is a fusion of Friesland's Provincial Archives, the Frisian Literary Museum and Documentation Centre and the Provincial & Buma Library. Tresoar organises Frisian activities for young and old, such as exhibitions, concerts, lectures, educational projects and children's workshops.
The province of Fryslân has its own language. Frisian, like Dutch, holds the status of an officially recognized language in the Netherlands. There is also the so-called Stadsfries, or City Frisian, a dialect spoken in various cities in the province. In Leeuwarden this is 'Liwwadders'.
As a result of the long-standing struggle for recognition of their language, Frisians are able to communicate with Dutch government authorities in their memmetaal (mother tongue). Diverse organisations which promote the Frisian language and also use it as their primary language have established themselves in the Haadstêd fan Fryslân (capital of Friesland).
Besides Tresoar, these include:
· Afûk (publisher, book seller, language education and translation agency)
· Fryske Akademy (scientific research institute for the Frisian language, culture and population)
· Omrop Fryslân (regional broadcasting company)
· Tryater (theatre company with theatre)
