Holland Museum Fall 2012

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Fall 2012

Holland Museum & Archives • Holland Armory Cappon & Settlers House Museums

Holland Museum

31 West 10th St., Holland, MI 49423 (616) 796-3329 Open Mon, Wed - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Closed Sundays & Tuesdays

A rchives & R esearch Library (Museum Lower Level) (616) 796-2081 Open Mon, Wed - Fri 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cappon & Settlers House Museums 228 & 190 West 9th St., Holland, MI 49423 Open Fri & Sat 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Holland A rmory 16 West 9th St., Holland, MI 49423 (616) 796-3321

www.hollandmuseum.org

Cover Photo Courtesy of the Holland Museum Collections

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Interim Executive Director Letter Board of Trustees Geoffrey Reynolds, Chair Dawn Garcia-Ward, 1st Vice Chair Susan Wolfe, Secretary Doug Rotman, Treasurer Anne Stewart, Member at Large Mary Bamborough Keith Boonstra Steve Bulthuis Kay Danby Ryan deVries Jacob Glick Jill Ryan Jerry Shoup

Staff Mike Dunlap, Facilities mdunlap@hollandmuseum.org Paula Dunlap, Operations Manager hollandmuseum@hollandmuseum.org David Hawley-Lowry, Facilities dhawley@hollandmuseum.org Rick Jenkins, Registrar rjenkins@hollandmuseum.org Catherine Jung, Archivist cjung@hollandmuseum.org Mary Esther Lee Interim Executive Director mel@hollandmuseum.org Wendy Van Woerkom Education Coordinator wvanwoerkom@hollandmuseum.org Kristina Wieghmink Marketing Manager & Editor kwieghmink@hollandmuseum.org Taylor Wise-Harthorn Museum & Gallery Manager twiseharthorn@hollandmuseum.org Visitor Services Staff Peter Berghoef Kasey Durham Jan Fike Loraine Griffin Phil Harrington Jasmine Taylor

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Dear Members and Friends, As Mayor Cappon* and I were cutting the cake at the public opening for our 75th anniversary exhibition on October 6, it struck me that I was only one in a long line of leaders who have shepherded this museum—and this community—through an illustrious past. It was the typical public/ private partnership, if you will, that characterizes effective problem solving West Michigan style.

History books often organize the past into eras named for the leaders of the time. While that is convenient, and not altogether inappropriate, we know that “history” happens every day all around us. Leadership happens in families, in classrooms, on the playground, in places of worship, in the workplace, and in the community groups we form for enjoyment or to get things done.

The “history” told in our 75th anniversary exhibition is a compilation of the stories of both famous and ordinary people whose efforts have made this community what it is today. Individually, the stories are interesting. Taken collectively, they provide a powerful picture of a community of resourceful people who have

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woven dayMary Esther Lee to-day work Interim Executive and play into Director a rich tapestry distinguished by innovation, entrepreneurship, spirituality, diversity, inclusion, and profound respect for family and education.

As we begin our journey through the next 75 years, I am keenly aware of the fact that our future will be shaped by the people who step up to provide leadership in dozens of ways. I am very grateful to those of you who have volunteered to be part of the planning for our future.

Your generosity of spirit inspires us all.

Best regards, Mary Esther Lee *Portrayed by docent/volunteer Tim Monaghan

The Board of Trustees wants your opinion about how we are doing now and what you would like to see us do in the future. The survey included in this newsletter is one way you can let them know.

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Objects Tell

the Story “Celebrating the Journey”

curated by Steven Rosen is about the people of Holland and the museums that have held the esteemed treasures of those who lived and prospered in the Holland area from 1847 forward. Taking a cue from the writings of Dingman Versteeg (1886), an early Dutch emigrant, we have as he hoped, collected through floods, fires and stormy weather, the now treasured objects first amassed by the earliest settlers and their successors. These objects tell the story.

As known today, the Holland Historical Trust emerged from the former Netherlands Museum, founded in 1937 as the dream of its first director Willard C. Wichers. It holds an extensive historical archive, a well cared for multi-faceted object collection, a stunning Dutch painting collection of 17th through 19th Century works of art, and operates out of four historic structures.

We are, after all, a treasure house of memories and recollections, a repository for the region’s history, and have made a steadfast commitment to the preservation and presentation of the region’s legendary patrimony.

Our 75th anniversary exhibition contains objects that present the collected memories of generations of a people who can look back and see their contributions on the road from settlement to city.

This journey is punctuated by examples of everyday objects, references to the growth of businesses and churches, and importantly, objects that remind us of the progress of ideas, ideals and the historical continuity of our community. The viewer on the journey through the exhibition will see highlights of the past showing how we played, how and when we traveled, and finally, come to relish the hardiness of the

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settlers and the historical patrimony they left behind for us to savor.

They also provide evidence of the spirituality, work ethic, entrepreneurship, commitment to family, education, diversity and inclusion that helped Holland to thrive, and still makes it a great place to settle.

In its 75th year, the Holland Historical Trust, its staff, legions of donors, members and its gifted constituencies expect to continue the momentum, focused on the storied journeys of its people from the first timbers laid in 1847 forward into a bright future.

Come join us on this adventure.

On the Cover 1893 Tower Clock Winding Mechanism HOLLAND HISTORICAL TRUST COLLECTION

The generous people of Holland in 1893 contributed the funds to purchase a Seth Thomas Clock and its works for installation in the recently finished Holland City State Bank (Tower Building at 8th and River Avenue). A complex set of heavy bronze weights, wires, and pulleys stretched downward from the winding device exhibited here. As they descended, the clock hands would move. 50 years later, the works had outlived their usefulness and a new set of mechanisms was installed.

The original winder, presented here, was modern for the time and serves as a reminder of time’s journey.

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Board of Directors Update I would like to welcome Ryan deVries and Doug Rotman as our newest trustees to the Holland Historical Trust board. Ryan is a commercial loan officer with Macatawa Bank. Ryan brings his love of history to the board and a long career of working productively with people. We are looking forward to Ryan’s input on the collections committee. Doug is an owner at accounting firm of Ferris, Busscher & Zwiers, P.C. His expertise with numbers made him an easy choice for the position of treasurer for the institution. I also want to thank the retiring members of the board for their service: Bill Borgman, Leah Petroelje, Howard Veneklasen. Bill Borgman served on the board starting in 2008 and served as treasurer, chair of Finance Committee and on the Executive Committee. Leah Petroelje began her service on the board in 2007 and served as 1st Vice Chair, chair of AAM Accreditation Committee, and on the Executive Committee.

Howard Veneklasen began his service on the board in 2007 and served two years as Chairman and served on Executive Committee and ex officio on all committees.

This summer we had several successful events. The weather for the annual Cappon House Ice Cream Social was beautiful and our visitors enjoyed the great tasting, free ice cream provided

by Macatawa Bank. We also had beautiful weather for the Big Red Tour fundraiser in July. Thanks to our sponsors, WWNJ Radio, Crown Motors, Pathfinders Travel, Edward Jones, Elhart Motors, WestEdge, Piper Restaurant, WHTC Radio, and staff of the Holland Princess, the event was a great fundraiser. The 7th Annual Vintage Holland Boat Show in late August was also a success thanks to over 600 paying attendees and our sponsors, Goog’s Pub and Grub, Globe Vision, Land & Sea Upholstery, Firehouse Boat Works and Studio, Engedi Salon, Jacob and Kristen Glick, Dutch Delite Bakery, The Wooden Runabout Company, Tin Ceiling, Macatawa Bank, and WWJQ99 FM Radio. Both events were well attended and are being requested for next by visitors.

Fall has arrived in Holland and things are really happening at the Holland Historical Trust. The Focus Gallery is filled with a

Providing our clients with the edge in real estate.

396-4990 297 Douglas Ave. www.WestEdge.net Dave Ruwe

Heather Davis Steve Grilley

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wonderful variety of art and words from our youth in the new exhibit Geoffrey Reynolds, Chair “Tenemos una voz (We have a voice)”. This exhibit will continue until December 31 and should not be missed. The Wichers Gallery is now hosting “Celebrating the Journey” which illustrates the history of Holland, Michigan, nearly 170 years on the road from settlement to urban center, through the collected objects of our permanent collection. These objects tell stories about the journeys of the people of this place that defines us and our place in history.

This new exhibit is in honor of the Museum’s 75th anniversary and will continue through May 2013.

As always, I am looking forward to meeting all of you at upcoming fall Trust events and learning more about you and your reasons for being a member and supporter of Holland’s Historical Trust.

- Geoffrey D. Reynolds

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Volunteer Update Interested in volunteering?

Contact Taylor at 616-796-2080 or volunteer@hollandmuseum.org.

Tim Monaghan Holland Museum Docent

Taylor Wise-Harthorn With the Cappon House Ice Cream Museum & Gallery Manager Social, tulip exhibit lectures, Volunteer Picnic, Vintage Holland Boat Show, “Tenemos una voz” community preview, and many more events, we sure had a busy summer! We could not have done any of it without all of our amazing volunteers! They give their time and talents every day to ensure that we are always a success. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do!

Exhibit Highlight This was my first time working with students in this capacity. I had to quickly learn how to teach high school students about curating and designing a museum exhibition without doing the actual work. They were driving the bus, but I was in the front passenger seat making sure we didn’t go off course. I had to balance giving them enough info to make a decision without actually making the decision for them. For example, I put together a couple of exhibit design ideas and explained my thoughts behind each of them. With that information, they selected the final design. I set clear goals and expectations for each of the nine students and had to follow-up.

I am amazed by how involved they were, especially over their summer break and on a voluntary basis. Credit should be given to Roberto Jara and the LAUP youth

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groups for preparing their students to work well with others, to be responsible and respectful, and to positively contribute to their community. I hope that this exhibit will be the first of many youth based exhibitions between the Holland Museum and Holland’s youth.

“Tenemos una voz/ We have a voice” opened to the public on Aug. 24 and runs through Dec. 31, 2012.

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From the Archives Archive Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Phone: (616) 796-2081 cjung@hollandmuseum.org

Caz Jung, Archivist Holland Archives & Research Library

We thank you for thinking of the museum for your collections donations.

If you have collection items or archival donations for the collections committee to review, please contact Caz Jung, Archivist, at 616.796.2081 or cjung@hollandmuseum.org.

Featured Archive Photo Holland Police officer Cornelis Steketee stands on the NE corner of 8th and Central in front of the Hotel Holland, c. 1912.

Several pieces of officer Steketee’s police equipment are part of the “Celebrating the Journey” exhibit now open in the Wichers Gallery at the Holland Museum.

Photo gift of Mrs. Stanley T. Lowe.

Recent Acquisitions

Below: Cappon House Textile, Photo Courtesy of the Holland Historical Trust

Three Dutch Books Hilbert Krans, Annville, KY

Dutch Books Benno Benninga, Sanibel, FL

Cookbook Sheryl Perry, Holland

Marriage Certificate Henry Stegenga, Holland

Dutch Dance Costume Dorothy Smith, Crown Point, IN

2 Men’s Suits Sue Bouws, Holland

Dutch Novelty Shop Clowns, Cookie Molds, Mae Van Ark art, Holland High Items Myron and Mae Van Ark, Holland

Etta Fox Questers Materials Julie Marckini, West Olive

Sofa and Bookcase Sara Simmons, Holland

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Holland Christian School Items Cindy Koedoot, Holland

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Your Voice

Your Opinion Matters The Holland Historical Trust Kristina Wieghmink invites you to Marketing Manager participate in our research study by completing the following brief survey. The purpose of conducting this study is to determine the perception of our organization among the Holland community and to create continual positive museum cultural experiences for all. Since you are a member of the Holland community, with a valued opinion, we appreciate your participation and feedback. The results from this study will provide the Holland Historical Trust (HHT), caretaker of the Holland Museum, Cappon House, Settlers House, and the Holland Armory, with analytical information, to provide the Holland Historical Trust with a better understanding and direction for future initiatives, programming, and exhibition offerings to the public.

1. What is your gender?

 Male

 Female 2. What is your age?

 18-29 years old

 30-49 years old

 50-64 years old

 65 years and over 3. What is your zip code?

________________

The following questionnaire will require approximately 15 minutes. There is no risk for completing this survey; nor is there any compensation. Participation in this assessment is voluntary and confidential.

You are not obligated to answer any questions in this survey. Individual participants will not be identified. Refusal to participate in this assessment will not result in any penalty or loss of Holland Historical Trust membership or benefits.

In the event of any publication or presentation resulting from the assessment, personally identifiable information will not be shared. In addition, the Holland Historical Trust will combine group data to eliminate any potential for demographic information to be identifiable with specific qualitative responses. The Holland Historical Trust will not ever sell or share participant information, but only use anonymous aggregate data for result reporting.

6. Which of the following most accurately defines your race or ethnicity? Mark all that apply.

 American Indian

or Alaska Native

 Asian

 Black or African American

 Hispanic, Latin, or Spanish

 Native Hawaiian

or Pacific Islander

 White

 Other _________________

4. What is your marital status?

 Single (never married)

 Married

 Separated

 Divorced

 Widowed 5.

7. What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed?

 Some high school

 High school diploma

 Some college

 Associate’s degree What is your total Household  Bachelor’s degree income per year?

 Master’s degree  Less than $25,000

 PhD  $25,000 to $49,999  $50,000 to $74,999  $75,000 to $99,999  $100,000 to $149,999  $150,000 or more hollandmuseum.org

By completing and submitting this survey, you have indicated your consent to participate in the project. If you are not satisfied with the manner in which this study is being conducted or would like to ask questions about this assessment, survey process, or the rights concerning participation, questions concerning this project should be directed to: Holland Historical Trust Attention: Marketing Department 31 West 10th Street Holland, MI 49423 (616) 796-3325 kwieghmink@hollandmuseum.org 8.

Employment Status  Full-time employee  Part-time employee  Not employed  Retired  Self-employed

9.

Relation to the Holland Historical Trust (Holland Museum, Cappon House, Settlers House, or Holland Armory)?  Donor  Board member  Staff member  Internship  Volunteer  Non-HHT member  Local School  Local Business  HHT member

(level of membership)

o Student o Individual o Builder o Patron o Wichers

o Senior o Family o Sponsor o Benefactor o Corporate

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Please rate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements.

(Circle number 1 for strongly disagree, 2 for disagree, 3 for neutral, 4 for agree, and 5 for strongly agree.)

10.

The Holland Museum develops pride in local traditions and customs.

Disagree

1

2

3

4

5

Agree

11.

The Holland Museum facilitates community collaboration, through open lines of communications.

Disagree

1

2

3

4

5

Agree

12.

The Holland Museum plays an important role in tourism.

Disagree

1

2

3

4

5

Agree

13.

The Holland Museum should have exhibits relevant to the local area.

Disagree

1

2

3

4

5

Agree

14.

The Holland Museum helps people feel a sense of belonging and involvement. Disagree

1

2

3

4

5

Agree

15.

The Holland Museum involves people in specific projects.

1

2

3

4

5

Agree

20.

21.

How often do you visit the museum or participate in events related to the Holland Historical Trust (Holland Museum, Cappon House, Settlers House, or the Holland Armory)?  More than three times per month  1-3 times per month  More than three times per year  1-3 times per year  Less than once per year  Never

Disagree

If applicable, what type of events do you participate in?

Mark all that apply.  Exhibit openings  Regular museum visits  Educational programming  Lecture series  Guided tours  HHT coordinated community events (Ice cream social, Sinterklaas visit, Christmas teas, children’s storytelling, collections viewing area, etc.)  HHT Fundraising Events  Annual Holland Museum Vintage Boat Show  Annual Holland Museum Civil War Muster

22. Through which sources do you find information on the

Holland Museum exhibits and programming?

Mark all that apply.

 The Review (HHT quarterly publication)

 The Holland Sentinel newspaper

 The Grand Rapids Press newspaper

 The Zeeland Record newspaper

 Senior Times newspaper

 Holland Museum’s website (www.hollandmuseum.org)

 Holland Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.holland.org)

 Emails from the Holland Museum

 West Michigan Tourist Association

 Michigan History Magazine

 Shoreline Visitors Guide magazine

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22.

(Continued)  On the Town magazine  All About Holland Visitor’s Guide magazine  Grand Rapids and Family magazines  Tulip Time Festival program guide  WHTC – Holland’s radio station  WGVU – Public broadcasting station  Facebook  Twitter  Other ____________________________

23.

Prior to this survey, were you aware of the Holland Historical Trust? (The Holland Historical Trust is the governing entity, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, that cares for and operates the Holland Museum, the Cappon House Museum, the Settlers House Museum, and the Holland Armory.)

 Yes  No

24. What types of programming, exhibits, and events would you like to see the Holland Museum present? Feel free to be extensive, including an additional sheet of paper if needed.

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Thank you for taking the time to participate in this survey, your feedback is very important to us. The Holland Historical Trust greatly appreciates your time and opinions. We will look forward to reviewing the information gathered in this survey to improve our organization and to continue to achieve our mission. To stay connected with the Holland Museum programming, follow us on Facebook and join our emailing list at www. hollandmuseum.org. Please return this survey in the enclosed envelope, provided in this newsletter.

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Muster Update This year’s Muster was held on the 22 & 23 of September.

Over the weekend 1,800 spectators, 96 reenactors, 461 Wendy Van Woerkom students, over 71 Education Coordinator volunteers, and about 20 other security, staff, and red cross volunteers returned to Antietam for a brief time at the VanRaalte Farm South of Holland. This was the Museum’s fourth annual Civil War Muster and despite some not so nice weather the event was a success!

On Friday the 21st, 461 local 5th grade students from Holland Heights, Zeeland Christian, Eagle Crest Charter School, Holland Seventh Day Elementary School, Black River & Woodbridge Elementary invaded the farm. We had two program times, 9:30-11:30 and 12:00-2:00. Thanks to the donations of our event sponsors these students were able to hear the 5th Michigan Regimental Band, visit with President Lincoln, experience a soldiers life in camp and at war, and get a glimpse of civilian life. All this was provided free of charge to them because of our sponsors!

Quite a few students came back on Saturday and Sunday, and one boy actually came all three days!

Saturday and Sunday spectators braved rain and cold weather to explore camps, visit with the Lincolns, hear the 5th Michigan Band, and on Sunday witness a battle.

Sadly, we did have to cancel the battle on Saturday due to the weather and the condition of the sledding hill, but visitors did get to see a spectacular live fire artillery demonstration in the camps put on by our three artillery batteries Robinson’s Battery, the Kentucky Volunteers, and the 1st MI Light Artillery 3rd Battery.

Also, Saturday night the reenactors enjoyed a fantastic dinner thanks to donations from Boars Head, Russ’, and financial support of other sponsors, along with the hard work of Christine Ferris Catering. Following the dinner reenactors danced outside the barns (even in the rain) to music provided

by Fiddle Fire. We had some spectators as well, but they were a little shy about joining the fun. So next year be sure to join us for a little dancing. No experience necessary!

We could not put on an event like this without our sponsors; Metal Flow, Heinz, the Heinz Foundation, Johnson Controls, the Edgar & Elsa Prince Foundation, Haworth, the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, West Michigan Community Bank, New Holland Brewing Co., Warner Norcross & Judd, Trans-matic, the Ottawa County Farm Bureau, the City of Holland, Holland Michigan Visitors Bureau, the Double Tree Hotel, Boar’s Head, 5/3 Bank, Meijer, Pepsi, The Shaker Messenger, DeLeeuw Lumber, and Russ’.

We also could not do this without the time and hard work donated by our volunteers!

Photo Courtesy of Deb & Lou Schakel Pictured above: Fred & Bonnie Priebe

If you really want to be amazed - over the course of planning and putting on the Muster, our volunteers and the Red Cross volunteers collectively banked well over 500 hours.

THANK YOU to our sponsors and volunteers for all that you have done to make this event a success!

Photos Below Courtesy of John Hughes Below left: Tom Emmerick & Richard Veenhoven, Below right: Re-enactors on the Antietam cornfield battlegrounds at the Van Raalte Farm

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Thank You!

The Holland Museum would like to recognize the following for their recent and continual programming support!

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening at the museum!

Join our emailing list at www.hollandmuseum.org

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Museum Events October

27 - 10am-12pm Day of the Dead crafts & storytelling

November

3 - 10am Archives Tour & Journaling 101 (rsvp) 10 - 2pm LAUP film showing, “Speak Now” (rsvp) 12 - Free museum admission to Veterans &

Holland Armory Geerds exhibit open 22 - Museum closed for Thanksgiving

s i s a a n! l k r e t n Si ng to tow comi

December

1 - 10:30am Show, Tell, & Share (rsvp) 7 - 7pm Sinterklaas visits the museum 13 - 5:30pm Holiday Open House 15 & 16 Cappon House Victorian Teas (rsvp) 16 Cappon House closes for season 24, 26-29 Holiday crafts at the museum lobby 25 Museum closed for Christmas 31 “Tenemos una voz” exhibit closes Ring in the holidays with jolly ol’ Sinterklaas, December 7 at the Holland Museum.

Visit us at www.hollandmuseum.org

Visit with friends and enjoy some warm cocoa and cookies.

Calendar of Events online for more information or call (616) 796-3329.

The Holland Princess Cruise reservations & information (616)393-7799 www.hollandprincess.com 290 Howard Avenue Holland, MI 49424

Cappon House Victorian Teas

December 15 & 16 Reserve your spot today!

(616)796-3329

Family run since 1983

Kentucky Derby Party 2013 Are you a party planner? Do you enjoy having fun? If so, join the Fundraising Committee by calling 616-796-3321 or emailing hollandmuseum@hollandmuseum.

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www.pereddiesrestaurant.com (616) 394-3061 447 Washington St. Holland, MI 49423

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Holland, Michigan Permit No. 77

31 West 10th St., Holland, MI 49423 616.796.3329 hollandmuseum.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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Thank you to all our supporters for making 75 years!

Š2012 HOLLAND HISTORICAL TRUST

Willard Wichers, 1st Director

Deb Schakel, Marvin Jalving, & Tim Monaghan

Photos Courtesy of Deb & Lou Schakel