Te Ronde House

Overcrowding sparks a need for second museum

In the 1980s and 1990s the museum board voiced continued concern around overcrowding at Het Museum and considerations around adding another location became the topic of various meetings. During a meeting on August 8, 1995, the museum board was told that the Community Corporation would purchase the Annette Te Ronde home for an additional location, plus provide additional funds for any furnishings that might be needed. A closing date of September 15, 1995, was set and the local museum entered a new era.

“TeRonde House” became the immediate focus of the museum board. Guidelines regarding care and use of the facility were drawn up by the museum board and village board. The building’s immediate needs were addressed and attention then turned to long-range plans for the facility. The year 1996 was a very busy one but one during which great strides were made. Work progressed in all areas to the point where the museum board felt secure in scheduling an open house for January 4, 1997.

Changes of furnishings plus some new acquisitions and refurbishing gave TeRonde House a beautiful look for its unveiling. Approximately eighty visitors attended the open house to see the efforts of countless volunteers who stepped forward when needed. Heartfelt thanks go out to the community for their support in the past, present, and future endeavors of the local museum.