The fleet of the Veenkoloniaal Museum

The Veenkoloniaal Museum in Veendam tells the story of the unique history of the Groninger Veenkoloniën from an impressive building, namely the former Rijks Hoogere Burgers School (RHBS) from 1907. But did you know that the museum also owns a number of beautiful ships? We would love to introduce you to them!

Barge Eben- Haëzer

In the courtyard is the barge Eben- Haëzer (“Till here the Lord hath helped us”), which visitors can take a look inside to learn how people lived with a family on the water in the time of the peat sailors.

Pointed barge the Familietrouw

The Veenkoloniaal Museum has another ship: the Familietrouw. It is the oldest original pointed barge in the province of Groningen and completely worthy of sailing. The ship, of which there are currently only five of this type sailing in the Netherlands, was launched in 1894 at the Ter Horn shipyard in Veendam. After changing hands and names several times, it was donated to the museum in 1994. This “sailing uithof” can regularly be seen in the canals of the Veenkoloniën and beyond. When she is not underway, she is moored at the Kapiteinshuis in Oude Pekela, also part of the Veenkoloniaal Museum Veendam.

Chevrolet Capitol

In addition, the museum has another “mobile outhouse”: a 1928 Chevrolet Capitol. The little truck was donated to the museum by Johnny Jonker, owner of Jonker Transport in Veendam. It is a boxcar like many that drove around in the time of the van. The advertising board on the roof bears the motto “On a line of anthracite and sunshine” and the doors bear the name of the company, the name of the town and its telephone number.

CORONA

Due to Corona measures, the museum is currently closed. Keep an eye on the Veenkoloniaal Museum website to schedule your visit.

This blog was created in collaboration with the Veenkoloniaal Museum in Veendam. Want to be kept up to date with the latest blogs and tips? Then follow us on Facebook and Instagram.