Exhibit cases
Archives display
Heading West with the LeCocqs: From Iowa to Washington
The westward migration story of the LeCocq family, Dutch immigrants who first settled in Pella, Iowa then Orange City, Iowa before helping establish Harrison, South Dakota and eventually moving to Lynden, Washington. The LeCocqs were leaders in each town they lived in, serving in local government and establishing businesses. The display contains a number of artifacts from both Northwestern's collection and Orange City's Dutch American Heritage Museum.
A Northwestern student, Liesbeth Ten Hoeve, interpreted and translated Dutch items in this collection; she also created the accompanying digital exhibit.
Lower level.
- Global Missions and the Reformed Church in America
Artifacts and stories showcasing the Reformed Church in America's long history of worldwide missions. - Roeland Van Cavel
The story of Roeland Kavelaar, a Dutch immigrant who created a program on the Netherlands that he shared at school assemblies throughout the United States. A digital exhibit is also available. - Captain Ralph Mouw: Journey to the Greater Reich
Letters, uniforms, and other objects of Captain Ralph Mouw, a Northwestern graduate and later a math professor here. During World War II, he landed at Normandy on D-Day, served in a field artillery unit that saw heavy fighting, plus worked in the liberation forces. A digital exhibit is also available. - Roderich & Elisabeth Wolff Scrapbook
A scrapbook and accompanying documents tell the story of a German couple during World War II. Roderich Wolff (1897–1973) was Jewish and his wife Elisabeth (1912–2006) was Christian. A digital exhibit is also available.
First floor displays
Nativities
The nativity sets on display were given to Northwestern College by Henrietta Van Maanen ('55). An avid collector who has purchased hundreds of nativities, Van Maanen donated 40 of her sets to her alma mater.
East entrance.
Give Yourself a Gift
Treat yourself over winter break: Give yourself time with a great read. We have some of our favorite selections available for checkout in this display. And no need to worry about due dates; we'll extend them until 2021.
East entrance.
Second floor display
The Radio Signal by Dr. Friedhelm Radandt
In 2016, Dr. Friedhelm Radandt, former president of Northwestern College, published his memoir, The Radio Signal. In it he writes of his family's experiences living in Nazi-controlled Germany and his wife's family's corresponding ordeal in Prussia. On display are family photographs, an original genealogical table (Ahnentafel), and family letters.
East staircase.
