27-05-2025
Major donation will bring two new exhibits to life at Dekker Huis Museum in Zeeland
ZEELAND — A significant donation to the Les Hoogland Fund will support two major projects at Dekker Huis Museum, according to an announcement from the Zeeland Historical Society.
The donation comes from Todd Hoogland, Julie Hoogland Taylor, Gregg Hoogland and Jane Hoogland Jipping, along with contributions from other individuals.
Les Hoogland died in 2024. He was Zeeland's longest-serving mayor, with 22 years in office, championing community growth and connection. He and his wife, Viv, made several contributions to Zeeland and the greater West Michigan region.
'We are incredibly grateful to the Hoogland family and all those who contributed to the Les Hoogland Fund,' Audrey Rojo, curator at the Zeeland Historical Society, wrote in the announcement. 'This donation ensures that Zeeland's history — especially the stories of our veterans and civic leaders — will be preserved and shared for generations to come. Les and Viv's deep love for this community continues to inspire us.'
The first project will revitalize the museum's Veterans' Memorial Room. The Stories of Service Exhibit will showcase the sacrifices and contributions of local servicemen and women, as well as highlight the role of local veterans' organizations, such as American Legion Post #33. Planned improvements include structural repairs, upgraded lighting and enhanced displays that offer a deeper, more engaging historical experience, according to the release.
The second initiative, The Les Hoogland Civic Legacy Exhibit: The Heart of Zeeland, will introduce a brand-new exhibit focusing on the city's civic leadership. This display will honor the efforts of community leaders, city governance, police and fire departments, and other essential public services that have shaped Zeeland's past and present. Featuring interactive elements and a fresh design, the exhibit will provide visitors with an in-depth look at the city's civic history and the individuals who made a lasting impact, according to the release.
More: 'He loved this city': Zeeland's longest serving mayor Les Hoogland dies at 94
"This project is about more than honoring the past — it's about empowering the future,' wrote Museum Director Katelyn VerMerris. 'By showcasing the stories of service and leadership that built Zeeland, we hope to inspire others to carry that same spirit forward in new and meaningful ways. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our community that is making these projects possible."
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Renovations and exhibit installations are set to begin in the coming months, with an anticipated completion date in October 2025. The museum will stay open as much as possible during the renovations with an adapted exhibit flow as needed.
Additional funding is needed to incorporate interactive features in the veterans' display, which will help visitors connect more deeply with veterans' stories. To support this effort, donations can be earmarked for the Les Hoogland Fund.
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— This story was created by reporter Karly Graham, kgraham@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Major donation will bring new exhibits to life at Dekker Huis Museum
