The dedication for the Dekker Huis "barn" was held on Saturday, May 17, 2003.

The brainchild of Sid Schaap, the Society surprised him by dedicating the structure to him.

Constructed by builder, Chet Nykerk with help from many willing volunteers, the museum is now able to house its collection of farm implements, which at one time, were scattered all around town.

Director Mary Jane Vander Weide opened the ceremony with a brief history of the museum. Remarks by Major Pro-tem Sally Gruppen and Society president Kit Karsten followed. Then former Society president Bill Tuinstra stepped forward and read the plaque.  

Schaap was then asked to come forward and "cut the ribbon" (a rope) stretched across the wide barn doors.

Source: TIMELINE Newsletter, Zeeland Historical Society, Summer 2003