A N N O U N C E M E N T S

Sinterklaas comes to the Dekker Huis Museum! The annual visit from Sinterklaas to the Dekker Huis Museum will give children the opportunity to learn about the Dutch festivities. Legend says that Sinterklaas comes by boat from Spain and then mounts his white horse to go from house to house visiting the children of the Netherlands. On the evening before his visit, Dutch children get out their wooden shoes and fill them with an orange for Sinterklaas and maybe a carrot for Sinterklaas’ horse. Sinterklaas replaces the treats that are left for him and then fills the shoes with small gifts for the children. The Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas’ visit with parties, games and parades.

In honor of this tradition, Sinterklaas will be at the Zeeland Museum at 37 East Main Street from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th. Children and adults can visit with Sinterklaas and hear his story, construct a clock, build with Lincoln logs, and tour the museum.

Join us to celebrate local nonprofits at the community tree display at the 1881 New Groningen schoolhouse. Grab a cup of cocoa, visit with santa, bid on items at the silent auction, and enjoy the display. There is also a scheduled hymn sing, Breakfast with Santa, and carol sing with Girl Scouts.

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The Zeeland Historical Society invites you to Breakfast with Santa! While visiting with Santa, attendees will enjoy a homemade breakfast, ornament making, Christmas stories and music. This event will take place on December 11 from 9-11 a.m. at the 1881 New Groningen Schoolhouse. Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $10 for adults and $8 for kids aged 2 and up. They can be purchased on Eventbrite:

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New Museum Exhibit

This exhibit is funded by a grant from the Furniture Manufacturers’ Heritage Advised Fund. This grant has enabled the Zeeland Historical Society to repair 15 clocks in our collection, begin the process of digitizing our archival materials related to the clock industry, and engage in additional research on the clock industry in Zeeland.

If you want more information about researching your own clocks or maintaining them, visit or research page.

"One Small Town, Four Major Clockmakers"

October 2021-March 2022

Zeeland Clocks

Give us your input!

The Zeeland Historical Society is conducting a strategic planning process and we want your input. Please take 5-10 minutes to share your thoughts and perspectives on the work of ZHS. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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