Welcome to the Holland Museum’s first blog post. For the next few weeks we will focus on impact stories. We are kicking off this blog featuring volunteer spotlights highlighting and appreciating the work that the museum staff do!  

Meet Steve Hamburg! One of Holland Museum’s beloved docents! I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve about his work as a docent. Steve was born and raised in Holland. His father’s ancestors came from the Dutch Border to the United States. They went to the Dutch community that was the one and only Holland, Michigan.   

Though Steve is originally from Holland, he has had quite the adventure. Let’s run it back. He lived in Lawrence Kansas for 11 years, Kansas City for 8 years, Miami, Florida for 3 years and then Estwatini, Africa (formerly known as Swaziland) for 3 years. When asked the differences of what his time was like in Africa compared to the US, he shared that at the time Africa was not nearly as developed. He and his wife made a trip back there in 2017 and said they have made big strides in the development of the country.

Prior to his start at the museum he was a doctor before he retired. His start with the museum began when he visited the Cappon House, the historical house of Holland’s first Mayor Isaac Cappon in 1874. It is also owned and a part of the Holland museum. He attended an open house and was looking for something to do and thought to himself, he could enjoy being involved in the museum. He then said he was interested in being a volunteer and has been working with the museum for three and a half years since. He works as a docent and has always been a fan of history and he loved being able to share that with visitors. As a docent, he goes up to visitors and welcomes them to the museum. He informs them about the organization of the museum and points out each area. Then he answers any questions they may have or offer an explanation or story that goes with a specific display they are looking at. He also informed me that most people find that listening to a docent is easier than reading the descriptions, which I found interesting. He emphasized the importance of his role within the museum because he informs everyone about all the facts and history of the museum. If he wasn’t there then you couldn’t get the extra history and stories from just the descriptions. 

Steve touched on the fact that there are quite a few Dutch people that visit from the Netherlands. He also informed me that the number one foreign language spoken by people that come into the museum, and had a couple last Saturday that came from the Netherlands. I then asked him if he knew any Dutch and he taught me his favorite which is “pas op jongen” which translates to “watch out kid”. He shared that his grandfather would yell at him when he would get in trouble and use that term.

When asked if he had ever had a meaningful interaction with a visitor he said he finds most people are appreciative, and have a genuine curiosity for the museum. Being able to share the information for them is something that he really enjoys. His favorite part of his role is being able to share the history of Holland and meet different types of people. I touched on the fact that in this career especially you have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world which is not the norm in all job fields. One of the questions he always asks visitors is where they are from, and he finds it interesting to know where they are from and hear their story.

We discussed how volunteering at the museum has impacted his life. He said he has become more attuned to the history of Holland. He also loves being a part of the structure of Holland. The museum is a part of the community where you come from and plays a key role in the structure of the Holland community. 

We finished off the interview by discussing how his role as a docent brings more awareness to preserving museums. He said he helps make visiting the museum interesting, he has touched people’s lives so much that people come back and remember him and share how much he’s taught them. He prides himself in making it a positive and educational experience for visitors. 

Next time you visit the museum and see Steve, don’t be shy. He is eager to share his love of history and Holland and answer any questions you may have. Thank you Steve for all of the hard work you do for the museum!