MESSENGER
NEWS FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Hello Members,
Welcome to the Summer issue of the MESSENGER.
Ricki Levine is retiring on June 30th after nearly seven years as Executive Director. Her strong leadership has resulted in growth and renewal in the organization. We are most appreciative of all Ricki has done for the Museum and wish her all the very best in the future.
When the Executive Committee of the Board was informed of Ricki’s retirement we immediately began the process of finding the best person possible to succeed her. A search committee was formed, postings were placed in a variety of locations which resulted in the receipt of about 40 applicants from all over the country. Initial interviews were conducted virtually, followed by inperson interviews with the Museum staff and then with the Search Committee. The feedback from the staff was carefully weighed in the process. The Committee unanimously agreed upon a candidate with a recommendation to the Board of Directors who made the final selection.
Michelle Stempien Executive Director Kate Leighton-Colburn Development and Communications Associate Director
It is our great pleasure to introduce our new Executive Director, Michelle Stempien.
Michelle has been serving as the Education and Community Programs Manager of the Holland Museum since January, 2021. Prior to that, Michelle worked at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in various capacities from 1998 until 2020. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Carleton College and a Master of Arts in Art History and Museum Studies from Case Western Reserve University. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in educational programming, exhibition design and fundraising. She is a creative and passionate leader.
Michelle Stempien will officially assume her duties on July 1, 2024. Please welcome her and join all of us in supporting her as she moves into her new role.
Also new on staff is Kate Leighton-Colburn as Development and Communications Associate Director. Kate has a BA from Hope College and is pursuing her Master’s Degree in social work. After working in New York for six years, Kate returned to Holland as the Executive Director of Out on the Lakeshore. She is an experienced and capable addition to the staff.
We are grateful to all members for your support during this exciting time of transition,
The Holland Museum Board of Directors
FOCUS GALLERY ON EXHIBIT
On display Through September 16
Discover how the tradition of wearing authentic Dutch costumes during Tulip Time began. This exhibit highlights Lavina Cappon, former Holland Public Schools teacher, and explores her influence in shaping the unique aesthetic of Tulip Time through strict dress protocol.
LOBBY GALLERY
Authentically Victorian: Reflecting on the Cappon House Restoration
March 1–July 29, 2024
This exhibition focuses on the architectural projects involved in restoring the 1874 historic home to its 1902 appearance. After July 29, this exhibit will move to the Visitor’s Center/Cappon Barn.
In time to celebrate the Cappon House’s 150th anniversary, the Holland Museum has created a new Cappon family tree located in the Visitor’s Center!
Learn more about the various members of the family with additional information and pictures. Visit the Cappon House page on the Holland Museum website or scan the QR code to check out the time lapse video to see how it all came together.
Also new this summer is a Cappon and Settlers Houses introduction video so your visit is even more meaningful! Produced by the Holland Museum and Good Timber Legacy Video, this video features beautiful drone shots of the houses and gardens, information on the families, and both English and Spanish captioning. The video is included with your admission ticket. $7/adult, $5/senior, $3 student, free for museum members and children 5 and under. Open Fridays/Saturdays from 11-3 PM through August 31.
ENERGY THEME
Spark!Lab activities through July 6!
Explore the power of wind with the Wind Tunnel, figure out a rubber band’s potential energy by creating a catapult and rubber band spinners, experiment with electrical power using Snap Circuits, and design a Rube Goldberg-type maze with Soundscapes to uncover the mysteries of Kinetic energy.
Spark!Lab Summer Hours
Monday, Friday, Saturday from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Spark!Lab is included with Museum Admission. Check our calendar for FREE Second Mondays from 4:00-7:00 PM.
Special FREE Family Event!
Monday, July 8
4:00-7:00 p.m.
Holland Museum Spark!Lab FREE Second Monday family program Sponsored by THE MEIJER FOUNDATION
Celebrate the Summer Olympics and the world of sports in a fun new way. Test your skills and creative minds with our Spark!Lab challenges:
• Mini Marble Bowling
• Score a goal!
• Invent Your Own Sports Footwear
• and much more!
While visiting Spark!Lab, be sure to explore our collection of sports-related artifacts.
EXPLORE THE COLLECTION
Models in our Collection
By Rick Jenkins, Holland Museum Registrar
The Holland Museum owns over 60 models that have historical significance and great craftsmanship, including:
• 21 boats, ships, and ship hulls
• 25 buildings, homes, glass churches
• 9 airplanes
• 6 furnaces
Here are a few examples from our collection, each with its own unique story:
➊ Ship Muriel, donated in 2015 by Brenda E. Bos. This model was a gift to Frank Lubo (1920-2010), a Holland resident who worked aboard the SS North American.
➋ Lincoln Memorial model, donated in 2001 by the Estate of Marion Shackson. Constructed by a student at EE Fell.
➌ Van Vleck Hall, donated in 1938, is part of a set that represents buildings from the early days of Hope College.
Explore nearly 20,000 items in the Digital Collection hollandmuseum.org/collection Scan for Digital Collection
MEET OUR 2024 SUMMER INTERNS!
Working in Collections, Exhibitions, Communications, and Education, our summer interns learn how museums work while assisting the staff with projects and programs to keep the museum humming during the busy summer.
In Memory
Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of:
• Dr. James Keith Chamness
• Wava Heyboer
• Edmund Anderson
• William Holden
• Charlotte Garlough
• Marlene Bos
Thank you for being long time members, supporters, and friends of the Holland Museum.
If we missed someone who should be included, please let us know.
SEPTEMBER
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Grand Rapids, MI | artmuseumgr.org
OCTOBER
Mitten Children’s Museum South Haven, MI | mittenmuseum.org
VOLUNTEER NEWS
2024 is a great time to volunteer at the Holland Museum! From our Cappon 150th Celebration events, fundraisers, programs, and tours—there’s something for everyone’s schedule and interest. Volunteers are an integral part of our team.
Interested? Contact Deb Wake: debra@hollandmuseum.org or stop by the Museum during open hours and pick up an application.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
If you or your company is interested in sponsoring programs, exhibits, and expanded tours to support the Cappon House 150th Anniversary, please contact Kate Leighton-Colburn, Holland Museum Development & Communications Associate Director: kate@hollandmuseum.org.
➋ Lincoln Memorial
➊ Ship Muriel
➌ Van Vleck Hall
Back Row (left to right): Tori Lynch (U of M), Joseph Le (Zeeland West High School), Daniel Dykstra (Hope College), Robert Dotson (Hope College).
Front Row (left to right): Cecelia Hooper (Mount Holyoke College), Grace Torrence (Fordham University), Maiya Mashack (MSU), Brianna Conway (GVSU), Lilli Bruxvoort (Trinity Christian College)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Address service requested
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Elizabeth Colburn, Chair
Chanda Miller, Chair Emeritus
Elise VanKampen, Treasurer
Jen Griffith, Secretary
DIRECTORS
Adam Devereaux
Tricia Dreier
Loraine Griffin
Clare Heyboer
STAFF
Victor Perez
Nick Rolinski
Fred Johnson
Jenny DeGraves
Michelle Stempien, Executive Director
Kate Leighton-Colburn, Development & Communications Associate Director
Maddalena Frissora, Exhibits Curator
Rick Jenkins, Registrar
Debra Wake, Education and Volunteer Coordinator
Sarah Grant Joriman, Administrator
Paula Dunlap, Accounting Administrator
David Hawley-Lowry, Facilities Manager
Mary Elhart, Collections Assistant
Danial Jones, Visitor Services Coordinator and Custodian
Samuel Vega, Visitor Services Associate
Jen Louks, Registrar’s Assistant
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY
FREE SECOND MONDAY: Simply Sports
JUL 8 | Museum | 4:00–7:00 pm
See p2, Spark!Lab section, for program details. Free admission by The Meijer Foundation.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social–FREE!
JUL 13 | Cappon House | 10:00–3:00 pm
Check out the historic houses, lawn games, fun art activities, a Victorian themed demonstration, and of course, ice cream!
Afternoon Tea with the Cappons
JUL 27 | Cappon House Lawn | 3:00-5:00 pm
Enjoy tea and an assortment of finger sandwiches and sweet treats catered by Mother Tongue Kitchen. Meet the Cappon family with re-enactments by the Holland Community Theater. The Holland Garden Club will tour the gardens and help guests create a Victorian floral keepsake. Museum Members: $50. General Admission: $60. Max: 48 attendees. Registration is required by Monday, July 22.
WALKING TOUR WEDNESDAYS!
Experience Holland’s history every Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. through August 14! Visit hollandmuseum.org for dates, topics, and links to pre-register. Museum Members: $5, General Admission: $7.
AUGUST
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS 1874–2024
Special Exhibits and Events throughout the year!
Cappon House, 150th anniversary celebration programs.
Cultural Lens Program–Women of the Watch, Keepers of the Light
AUG 1 | Museum | 7:00–8:30 pm
Before the Annual Lighthouse Convention begins, theater artist Anna Marck will share stories of female lighthouse keepers on the Great Lakes. Free adult program. Registration encouraged.
Summer Intern Showcase
AUG 8 | Museum | 7:00–8:30 pm
Our 2024 Summer Interns will share their museum experiences including researching and installing a lobby exhibition. Free program.
FREE SECOND MONDAY
AUG 12 | Museum | 4:00–7:00 pm Free admission by The Meijer Foundation.
Sounds of Summer
AUG 15 | Cappon House | 5:30–8:00 pm
Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the Holland Symphony Brass Ensemble. Tour the Cappon House from 5:30-6:45; concert from 7:008:00. FREE: Museum Members and children 5 and under. General Admission: $7/adult, $5/senior, $3/student.
FREE Second Monday’s Sponsored by The Meijer Foundation
SEPTEMBER
FREE SECOND MONDAY: Mechanical Wizard SEP 9 | Museum | 4:00–7:00 pm
Explore our mechanical world and learn about famous engineers who invented everything from the printing press, elevator, and Ferris wheel to the electric toothbrush. Then test your inventive skills and create wonderful or wacky inventions of your own. Free admission by The Meijer Foundation.
HOLLAND HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
SEP 14 | Cappon House | 10:00–4:00 pm
Experience the stories and architecture of some of Holland’s unique historic homes. Snap a picture in front of classic car vignettes provided by the Holland Vintage Car Club and bid on beautiful flower arrangements in each home, provided by the Holland Garden Club. Museum Members: $35, General Admission: $40. Walk-up: $50.
Tulips, Taverns, and Trees: An overview of the Holland Museum Dutch Collection
SEP 26 | Museum | 6:30–7:30 pm
Join Michelle Stempien and Maddalena Frissora as they share highlights from the museum’s collection of Dutch paintings and decorative arts. Free adult program in collaboration with Herrick District Library.
Learn more about programs and how to pre-register: hollandmuseum.org/programs-and-events/
The Holland Museum is closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Schedule is subject to change. Check our website or call for the latest information.