Exhibit cases
Archives display
Body, Mind and Spirit
Since the school's founding in 1882, Northwestern College students have valued a well-rounded educational experience. From writing and distributing student newspapers to breaking athletic records, Raiders have done it all. This exhibit highlights extracurricular activities throughout the years, comparing the past and present with colorful artifacts and photographs.
Lower level.
- 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. A digital exhibit is also available. - 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 display
Iowa: 175 Years of Statehood
On December 28, 2021, Iowa marked its 175th anniversary of statehood. This display showcases items from Orange City's earlier days, including a letter penned in 1876 detailing a visitor's description of the new town. Also included is an elaborate clock presented to one of Orange City's early physicians, Dr. A.F.H. De Lespinasse, before he left The Netherlands; the family protected the clock during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Engraved silverware of Henry Hospers, early stationery of the Orange City Bank, a postcard offering a $100 award for a horse thief, and more artifacts are displayed.
Common Grounds.
Second floor display
Christian Education in Orange City
This exhibit highlights the dedication of early Orange City residents in giving their youth a Christ-filled education. Researched and organized by William Minnick.
East staircase.
