Events and Special Exhibits
The Zeeland Historical Society is proud to offer a variety of events to engage all ages!
When: Saturday, October 10, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Where: New Groningen Schoolhouse, 10537 Paw Paw Dr., Zeeland
Join us for an evening of delicious food, family-friendly activities, and community as we commemorate the museum’s 50th anniversary while honoring America’s 250th anniversary.
Enjoy classic American food, explore a special Bicentennial mini-exhibit, participate in our costume contest, and browse unique raffle prizes. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite 1776 Colonial or 1976 Bicentennial attire for our costume contests, with prizes awarded for adult, children, and group categories.
Every ticket purchased helps support the Zeeland Historical Society’s mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories that have shaped our community. Your participation directly funds educational programs, exhibits, collections care, and opportunities to connect future generations with Zeeland’s history.
Bring your family, gather your friends, and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of food, fun, history, and celebration as we honor the past while investing in the future of our museum.
Adult Ticket:
$45
Child (7-15 years) Ticket:
$15
Americana Costume Contest
Celebrate America 250 by participating in our Americana Costume Contest! Guests are invited to come dressed in their favorite Americana-inspired attire for a chance to win a prize.
Whether you’re inspired by colonial America, the bicentennial era, classic Americana fashion, historic figures, or love dressing up, we encourage participants to have fun and get into the spirit of the event.
Contestants may enter one of the following categories:
Costume Guidelines
Costumes should reflect the theme of Americana, which may include:
Colonial or Revolutionary War-era attire
Historic American figures (cannot be living)
Pioneer, frontier, or homestead clothing
Vintage Americana (1920s–1970s)
Patriotic red, white, and blue ensembles
Contest Rules
Judging & Awards
Judging will take place during the event, with winners announced before the conclusion of the evening. One winner will be selected in each category: Adult, Youth, and Group.
Sign-up is on the day of the event at the check-in table. Contestants must provide their name or group name and be present for judging.
For judging, contestants will line up and parade down the schoolhouse ramp so the judges can see each costume.
Explore stories of belonging, citizenship, and identity through two connected exhibits.
CELEBRATING AMERICA250MI
Presented through a collaboration between the Zeeland Historical Society and the Holland Museum, with generous support from America250MI, We the People invites visitors to explore what it means to belong in America through stories of citizenship, identity, and civic participation.
Through personal stories, historic objects, and interactive experiences, the exhibits encourage reflection on how every generation has contributed to the American story and continues to help shape Michigan today.
Dekker Huis Museum – Open February 4 – December 2026
We the People: Roots of Belonging explores how ideas of citizenship, identity, and belonging have helped shape West Michigan. Discover stories of Native Americans and Dutch immigrants through items such as citizenship papers, historic objects, campaign materials, and more.
Holland Museum – Open February 13 – December 2026
We the People: Voices of Holland highlights personal stories from residents past and present, showing how individuals and families have experienced belonging and identity in different ways. Through objects, oral histories, and interactive elements, the exhibit centers on real voices and lived experiences.