Zeeland Historical Society 2011 Programs

Dekker-Huis Museum Winter Gallery Show

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 top of Michigan finally landing at VanRaalte's settlement in Holland. Predominantly brick masons, 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.

A collection of recent photos show har far Zeeland has come in 163 years and "Why They Stayed." Winter hours at the museum are Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM and admission is free.

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