Marianne Koeckhoven: resident, entrepreneur and volunteer in Haarlemmermeer

Marianne, what is your link with Haarlemmermeer? 

“I have lived in Haarlemmermeer since 1985. I moved here for love. My husband, a fourth-generation farmer, lived and farmed on a historic farm in Hoofddorp and later in Nieuw-Vennep. We ran the farm together for a long time and after his death in 2005 I continued the work alone. My daughter has now taken over the farm with great pleasure. I am still active in the agricultural sector with my company that facilitates agricultural excursions. I am also a volunteer at the Historical Museum Haarlemmermeer, where I give guided tours, among other things.”

What makes the Haarlemmermeer Historical Museum special? 

“In this museum you can discover everything with your hands. And children can dress up and play through the museum. The museum tells the history of Haarlemmermeer in a unique way. They are not isolated pieces of information, but you really walk through the story of Haarlemmermeer. What I think is cool to see is that people recognize the story and history of the municipality. Everyone leaves the museum with a big smile on their face and that is of course great to see.”

What do you want to convey to museum visitors during your tours? 

“During my tours I want to teach visitors more about our interesting history in Haarlemmermeer. When the first people came to Haarlemmermeer, there was little. Establishing yourself in a recently drained polder is no small feat. Through innovative strength, perseverance and flexibility, the pioneers of Haarlemmermeer made it and created a very beautiful part of the Netherlands. I find that very impressive and I also like to tell this during my tours in the Historical Museum Haarlemmermeer.”

What are you proud of as a resident, entrepreneur and volunteer in Haarlemmermeer? 

“I am very proud of the agricultural sector and to be part of it. I also really admire my colleagues. They are super innovative, adapt time and time again as new laws and regulations are introduced and they continue to develop. It is not without reason that the Netherlands is extremely ahead in the field of agriculture.
In addition, I am proud of how successful Haarlemmermeer has become because of the first farmers who took on the harsh polder landscape. I enjoy telling the story of Haarlemmermeer when I give tours in the Historical Museum. Especially when visitors show interest in the first farmers of the municipality and in the agricultural sector, I talk about that with great enthusiasm!”