Welcome to the Museum
From the arrival of Dutch settlers, to today's community known for designer clocks and furniture, the people of Zeeland have fascinating stories to tell and artifacts to show. The Dekker Huis / Zeeland Historical Museum is the place for everyone to experience life in Zeeland's past.
Current Exhibit - "Why They Came"
The Dekker-Huis Museum features its winter gallery show entitled 'Why They Came' telling of Zeeland's first settlers.
Driven by a poor economy and religious persecution in the Netherlands, Jannes VandeLuyster sold his farm in 1847 to finance passage and land purchases in the new world. In 1847, he and his 425 followers, boarded three ships and set forth on treacherous seas to the unknown.
Follow their trail after landing in New York, along the Hudson, Erie Canal, Lake Huron and around the tip of Michigan finally landing at VanRaalte's settlement in Holland.
Predominantly brick mason, they were forced to learn logging in an effort to build places of shelter against both climate and wildlife. Exhibits show their progress, learning to grow corn, establishing churches, schools and businesses and building a strong community.
Driven by a poor economy and religious persecution in the Netherlands, Jannes VandeLuyster sold his farm in 1847 to finance passage and land purchases in the new world. In 1847, he and his 425 followers, boarded three ships and set forth on treacherous seas to the unknown.
Follow their trail after landing in New York, along the Hudson, Erie Canal, Lake Huron and around the tip of Michigan finally landing at VanRaalte's settlement in Holland.
Predominantly brick mason, they were forced to learn logging in an effort to build places of shelter against both climate and wildlife. Exhibits show their progress, learning to grow corn, establishing churches, schools and businesses and building a strong community.
Upcoming Events
December 4 - 'A Morning with Sinterklaas' for the younger set is scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon at the Dekker-Huis Museum in downtown Zeeland. Holiday festivities include learning about Dutch Christmas traditions, craft activities, snacks and a visit with Sinterklaas. To make it even more personal, we ask that parents RSVP and share the name and some information about their child for Sinterklaas' book which he will refer to while talking with each child. Bring your camera and create a family memory. RSVP to Debbie Albert at: 772-4447 or Dorothy Vos at: 772-4250
December 10 - Annual dinner for the Historical Society will be held Friday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Holland Museum. Tours of the museum follow a short presentation of artifacts from the Holland Museum collection to Zeeland Museum. All artifacts have a connection to Zeeland. Call 875-8036 for reservations.
December 10 - Annual dinner for the Historical Society will be held Friday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Holland Museum. Tours of the museum follow a short presentation of artifacts from the Holland Museum collection to Zeeland Museum. All artifacts have a connection to Zeeland. Call 875-8036 for reservations.
Winter Hours for the Museum: 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., Saturdays
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Contact Us at info@zeelandmuseum.org
