In the midst of a blustery, rainy week, the clouds parted just in time for a sunny, albeit windy, opening ceremony in the beautiful garden of the Eenigenburg Museum.

Guests arriving at the museum for the opening ceremonies. Museum documentation center in forefront, and historic home in rear.

A delegation of 21 U.S. Eenigenburg family members joined the villagers that had built the museum, and local dignitaries. Even the U.S. Embassy was represented.

Eenigenburg Family Members – (l to r): Al Tysen, Jean Bristow, Terry Williams,
Pat Tysen, Merritt Bethig, Maureen Williams, Joan Weamer, Jill Eenigenburg, Deborah Weamer Galambos, Jon Eenigenburg, Paul Eenigenburg, Kurt Kosty,
Pat Eenigenburg, Chuck Turngren, Carole Turngren, Bill Heintz, Sharon Heintz, David Turngren, Diane Eenigenburg, Bob Eenigenburg.
Photo taken by American friend, Amber Carroll.

At the ceremony, museum foundation secretary, Bart Jansma, began with a welcome before introducing municipality mayor, Enno Brommet, who spoke of an important museum theme – religious freedom. The mayor’s remarks were in English in honor of the family. Foundation chairman, Cor Beemsterboer spoke about the museum, the volunteers, and the tremendous overall effort. Both Dutch and American flags flew high.

Mayor Enno Brommet, with Bart Jansma and Cor Beemsterboer at right.

On behalf of the family in America, and representing the visiting delegation, Jill Eenigenburg presented a gift of funds, and an engraved wall plaque with the following inscription in both Dutch and English:

Our eternal gratitude
to the villagers of Eenigenburg
for creating a truly wonderful museum
and helping to preserve our heritage.

The Eenigenburg Family in America
20 May 2006

Jill Eenigenburg , presenting the commemorative plaque from the
Eenigenburg family. It is on display in the museum.

Rounding out the program was a lovely performance by the Eenigenburg Chorus. Finally, Niek Borst, an Eenigenburg villager and museum volunteer, unveiled the beautifully inscribed display of museum contributors – volunteers, sponsors and donors.

Nick Borst unveiling the permanent display of museum contributors.

The Overall Display of Contributors

The Eenigenburg Village Volunteers

The Sponsors

 

The Eenigenburg Family Donors

Memorials

The celebration was followed by a wonderful party in the village café. Overall, the event was a fitting tribute to the tremendous effort to build this fine museum.

But this account would not be complete without mention that the Eenigenburg family visitors enjoyed 3 days in the village, not only viewing the lovely museum, but touring the local area and even seeing the last home of Gerrit and Jannetje Eenigenburg before their emigration to America.

Some Eenigenburg cousins in the garden at Gerrit & Jannetje’s last home.
(l to r): Paul Eenigenburg, Merritt Bethig, Jill Eenigenburg, Maureen Williams,
Cecille Kuitjen (current resident, whose family bought home in 1930),
Jean Bristow, Bob Eenigenburg, Pat Tysen, Deborah Galambos.

And of course, the traditional pose at the Eenigenburg village sign.
(l to r): Al Tysen, Pat Tysen, Merritt Bethig, Kurt Kosty, Jill Eenigenburg,
Jean Bristow, Pat Eenigenburg, Deborah Galambos, Paul Eenigenburg,
Joan Weamer, Bob Eenigenburg, Diane Eenigenburg.

The festivities culminated with a special family service in the local church from which our ancestors departed when they emigrated in 1849. It was followed by a once-in-a-lifetime canal trip to retrace the initial portion of the journey, and was a thrilling highlight for all.

The museum is beautiful. Exhibits inside include thoughtful presentations of the history of the surrounding area, the story of religious persecution, and the courageous 1849 emigration and settlement of Roseland (in Chicago) by early Dutch emigrants from Eenigenburg and its environs.