Holland Museum > Events > Holland Museum > Tales from the Archives-Isaac Cappon: Holland’s First Major Industrialist

Tales from the Archives-Isaac Cappon: Holland’s First Major Industrialist

Graphic for the Holland Museum program, "Tales from the Archives: Isaac Cappon, Holland's First Major Industrialist" with presenter Steve VanderVeen, local journalist, author, and professor.v

In this presentation, Steve VanderVeen, local journalist, author, and professor, will briefly review why Albertus Van Raalte and the Dutch left the Netherlands, why there was “room” in America, why Van Raalte and his followers chose the shores of Black Lake, and what their transition was like. Then he will discuss the life and times of Isaac Cappon, Holland’s first major industrialist, and his importance to the Holland colony. This program will kick-off a year of programs in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Cappon House (1874-2024).

This program took place on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the Holland Museum

 


2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the Cappon House!  Join us as we celebrate throughout the year with new programs, exhibits, and tours!  Learn more

 

 

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Presenter Biography

Picture of Steve VanderVeen, Holland Michigan local journalist, author, and professor who will discuss Isaac Cappon as Holland's First major industrialist.Steve VanderVeen

Steve VanderVeen was born in Zeeland, Michigan, and attended Zeeland Christian and Holland Christian Schools, Calvin College (BA, English, 1982), Western Michigan University (MBA, 1985) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (Ph.D., Marketing, 1995). He worked as a stockbroker from 1983-1889. Since then, he has taught business at Calvin University (1989-2004), Hope College (2004-2022), and Cornerstone University (2022-Present). Locally, he is best known for his Sunday column in the Holland Sentinel on local business history.

 

This program is part of the Holland Museum “Tales from the Archives” series which explores local history topics supported by the Holland Museum’s collection and archives. 

 

This exhibit is supported in part by an award from:

 

Holland Museum

Holland Museum
31 W. 10th Street
Holland, MI 49423

The Holland Museum tells the story of Holland, Michigan, from its settlement by Dutch immigrants to today’s innovative, successful, and diverse community. Featuring thousands of fascinating historic objects, as well as artwork from the Netherlands from the 1600s through the 1900s, ou permanent History and Dutch Galleries are not to be missed.

MUSEUM HOURS

Thursdays: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sundays: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Closed Mondays EXCEPT on Free Second Mondays from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Spark!Lab is open and included with general admission on Fridays, Saturdays, and Free Second Mondays.

*FREE SECOND MONDAYS
In addition to regular hours, join us for our “FREE Second Mondays” from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m each month. Check our calendar for specific dates. Sponsored by The Meijer Foundation.

ADMISSION AND DISCOUNTS

Admission 
$10.00 for adults
$8.00 for senior adult
$5.00 for students with a valid college ID and kids 6-18 
FREE: Holland Museum members and children ages 5 and under are free.
$1.00 Museums for All admission (EBT or WIC card holder, $1.00/person, up to 4 people per card).

Discounts
The Holland Museum offers an admission discount to Veterans, active military, and educators. If you are active military, the discount applies each person in your party. If you are a veteran or educator, the discount applies to that person only. Admission for veterans, active military, and educators is $5.

CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THESE 2024/2025 HOLIDAYS

  • Independence Day, July 4
  • Labor Day, September 1
  • Thanksgiving Day, November 28
  • Christmas Eve, December 24
  • Christmas Day, December 25
  • New Year's Eve, December 31
  • New Year's Day, January 1, 2026


ACCESSIBILITY
The Museum has a handicapped-accessible entrance on the east side of the building next to the circle drive. To access the building, please press the button to the right of the door and the front desk will buzz visitors in. Take the elevator from the ground floor (G) to the first level (1L) and you will arrive behind the reception desk. There is also a wheelchair available for patron use. Each level of the museum is handicapped accessible, as are the restrooms. If you have any specific needs, please call the front desk at (616) 796-3329.

PARKING 
The Holland Museum is located at the corner of 10th Street and River Avenue, across from Centennial Park. Please use the parking lot behind the museum on 9th Street or street parking is available along 10th Street. Handicap accessibility is available from the east side of the building.

BLUE STAR MUSEUM 
We are a Blue Star Museum and offer free admission to active military and their families from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, through  Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 1, 2025.

MUSEUM BUILDING RENTALS
For information about Museum building rentals, please contact David Hawley-Lowry at dhawley@hollandmuseum.org

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