THEMA'S

The museum focuses on exciting contrasts. Tradition and innovation go hand in hand. The themes briefly explore these contrasts.

Time hasn't stood still in Bunschoten-Spakenburg; typical industrial activity and football (blue and red) also have a place in the museum.

Prosperity & Adversity

Farmers and fishermen relied on nature. Land and sea gave them both names. The museum displays both their prosperity and their adversity.

Poor & Rich

Livestock farming and fishing didn't bring much wealth. Some people were better off, resulting in stark contrasts in living conditions. A fisherman's cottage could sometimes fit three times as much into a farmhouse.

Wet & Dry

The reclamation of the Zuiderzee brought about a major change in life in Spakenburg. Sources of income disappeared, and the course of events had to be redefined.

Blue & Red

The football clubs Spakenburg and IJsselmeervogels have played in the same league since their founding. When the clubs play each other in the annual derby, the whole village is in an uproar.

Tradition & Innovation

In few places is the contrast and tension between tradition and innovation as stark as here. A glimpse into the homes, hearts, and minds of the villagers reveals something different: a love of tradition doesn't have to be paired with resistance to innovation.

Before & After

The reclamation of the Zuiderzee marked the end of fishing. Its fishing heritage has been cherished ever since, and Spakenburg still boasts the largest botter fleet in the Netherlands.

Wim & Wimpje

Both men and women worked hard. Men worked in the fishing industry or on the farm, while women did the housework and cared for the children. When a woman became a widow, she had to pull out all the stops. Many widows then started a small shop from home.

Nut & Mies

The museum also features the old school. It was at these desks that you first made contact, contacts that were later followed by many others. You can leave a message at the school.

Craft & Industry

In Bunschoten-Spakenburg, work has been—and continues to be—in full swing. But land reclamation and industrialization have drastically changed society.