Windmill Winterim
Join us for Windmill Winterim, a series in January and February with opportunities to learn more about Pella, Dutch heritage, and the Museums! Click the button below or scroll to read about each class and event.
Pella Historical Museum Members can sign up beginning Friday, November 29, and sign-ups will open to the public on Monday, December 9. To reserve your spot, stop by the gift shop or call 641-620-9463.
Learn About: Miniature Dutch Village
Thursday, January 16 (snow date: January 23)
6:00pm at the Windmill Interpretive Center
Members Free, Non-Members $5
Ages 12+ | Sign-Up Required
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Take an in-depth look behind the scenes of the Miniature Village! Learn how the Mini Village got its start, the progress and changes over the years, and the care and preservation of this amazing exhibit. This is a great opportunity to spend more time exploring the exhibit and asking questions from our amazing volunteers who will be leading the class.
Learn About: "Goliath" Street Organ
Thursday, February 20 (snow date: February 27)
6:00pm in Heritage Hall at the Historical Village
Members Free, Non-Members $5
Ages 16+ | Sign-Up Required
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The “Goliath” Street Organ is one of our museum’s most prized possessions and the last of its kind! Indeed irreplaceable, this beloved instrument has entertained visitors and Pella residents for many years.​
Join us for a Winterim class that will educate participants about the mechanical features of Goliath, as well as the history, and music of this beautiful instrument! Our Goliath artisan volunteers will be teaching this class and also showing interested participants how to play the instrument. If you have a love of music and history, and a desire to keep the Goliath tradition alive, this is the perfect class for you.
What's Next? Trolley Station Information Session
Tuesday, January 14
7:00pm at the Scholte Church
Free and open to the public
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Pella Historical Museums’ vision for a trolley station in the community has been in the works for over two years. Now, plans are in place to turn the building located at 712 Washington Street, which was donated by Wells Fargo Bank in 2019, into a multi-use trolley hub.
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Join us to learn more about the project, timeline, and funds needed to make our plans a reality. You’ll also get a sneak peek on what’s on the horizon for Pella Historical!
DIY: Chair Caning Class
Saturdays - January 25, February 1, 8, & 15
(Snow date: February 22)
10am-noon in Sterrenberg Library at the Historical Village
Members $75, Non-Members $90
Ages 18+ | Sign-Up Required
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Caned chairs are a beautiful feature in many people’s homes, and they are works of art in both style and design. Join us for a 4-part class series where you will learn how to cane chairs, make repairs, and overall care for caned furniture. Our instructor, Gene Newman, has decades of experience and will not only teach the art of chair caning, but also provide a hands on learning experience. Chairs will be made available for each participant to cane during the class, but will not be available to take/keep upon completion. If a participant has a chair that they would like to cane, they may bring it with them and use for the duration of the class!
DIY: Dutch Costume Sewing Class (Girl's)
Mondays - January 6, 20, & 27; February 3, 10, & 17
7:00-9:00pm at the Pella Community Center
Members $160, Non-Members $195
Ages 16+ | Sign-Up Required
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Learn to sew an Urk Girl’s Dutch Costume with Gelene Evans, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher for 31 years, and 2021 Phyllis Zylstra Memorial Apprentice. During 6 classes, create the dress from the bodice and skirt, the kraplap, apron, and hat. At the introductory session, we will review taking body measurements, pattern sizes, patterns, fabrics, supplies, and equipment. Each participant will purchase fabrics and supplies. Participants are able to bring their own sewing machines, or limited number of sewing machines are available to use for class.
DIY: Dutch Costume Sewing Class (Boy's)
Tuesdays - January 7, 21, & 28; February 4, 11, & 18
7:00-9:00pm at the Pella Community Center
Members $160, Non-Members $195
Ages 16+ | Sign-Up Required
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Learn to sew an Urk Boy’s Dutch Costume with Gelene Evans, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher for 31 years, and 2021 Phyllis Zylstra Memorial Apprentice. During 6 classes, create the shirt, pants, hat, and scarf. At the introductory session, we will review taking body measurements, pattern sizes, patterns, fabrics, supplies, and equipment. Each participant will purchase fabrics and supplies. Participants are able to bring their own sewing machines, or limited number of sewing machines are available to use for class.
90 Years of Pella's Tulip Time
Thursday, February 13
7:00pm in the Scholte Church
Free and open to the public
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Pella Historical Museums is excited to be celebrating 90 years of Tulip Time in 2025! What started as a small heritage festival with wooden tulips has blossomed into a community-wide celebration, welcoming 200,000 people to Pella over three days of fun.​
Join us to hear from a panel of folks who have been involved in Tulip Time throughout the decades. From its beginnings in the 1930s and ‘40s to its rapid growth in the 1960s and ‘70s to the rhythms we experience in the 2000s, learn how the festival has grown and changed over the years.