Elise van Melis, director of the Cruquius Museum
Elise, what is your link with Haarlemmermeer?
I've spent a large part of my life in and around the polder. In 2001, I started as a curator at the Haarlemmermeer Historical Museum. Currently, I'm the director of the Cruquius Museum. In that role, I've been involved in the construction of the new pavilion and the further development and renovation of the museum.
Many people think Haarlemmermeer has little past, but here too, history is evident. The Romans were here too, and the wars had a profound impact here too. With the story markers at places where history took place, we remind the people of Haarlemmermeer of their own past. All of this has contributed to the development of today's landscape.
What do you think makes the Cruquius Museum unique in Haarlemmermeer?
Just looking at the pumping station's architecture reveals its remarkable character. It's a truly Dutch story. How the battle against the water was won in the 19th century with special steam technology and the world's largest Cornish steam engine. Visitors can still experience this today. You can visit the engine room at the Cruquius Museum.
Here you can see how the steam engine moves, what it smells like, and what sounds it makes. That's exactly how it was in the 19th century. Looking back at the past isn't just about looking back; it's also about looking forward. You see how you can learn from it now and develop further based on it.
History never stands still, especially not here.
The new Cruquius Pavilion recently opened. What does this expansion mean for the museum and for you personally?
The opening of the Cruquius Pavilion brings together the collections of the Cruquius Museum and Meer-Historie, allowing the story of Haarlemmermeer, spanning 2000 years of land, water, and air, to be told in a cohesive way. For the museum and for Haarlemmermeer as a whole, it means we can now compete with other museums nationwide. Haarlemmermeer's history is unique: once it was water, now it's land, and villages have sprung up, disappeared, and reappeared. For me personally, it's a source of great joy. I've been working on this since 2011: applying for funding, designing, and keeping everything within budget, working with a small team and nearly 250 volunteers.
It's been a long, drawn-out process, but I've always worked with passion, for the content and story of Haarlemmermeer, which I find incredibly fascinating. It was also a tremendous opportunity to build a new museum, design everything myself, determine the storylines, and ensure that the offices, volunteers, and the public have the space they need. The fact that we succeeded, and within budget, makes it extra special for me."
Here you can see how the steam engine moves, what it smells like and what sound it makes.
The exhibition is called "Haarlemmermeer: The Impossible Made Possible." What themes can visitors explore there?
"In the pavilion, visitors can explore five themes: the first pioneers, agriculture, water, aviation, and housing." Elise enthusiastically describes a small box she calls the 'Night Watch,' a replica by Jacob van Lennep with replica hand axes and spearheads from the Rijksmuseum. "It's not valuable in a material sense, but it is very meaningful."
What are you proud of in Haarlemmermeer?
“What makes me proud is that with our team and volunteers, we can preserve the rich history of Haarlemmermeer and present it in new ways time and again. History never stands still, especially not here. I warmly invite everyone to join us.” special mill with the new pavilion to visit. And discover for yourself exactly how this worked.”
