Holland Museum rebounds with fiscal surplus, secures first-ever federal arts grant for $19K

HOLLAND — The Holland Museum is wrapping up its fiscal year on a high note, capping off a period of financial turnaround with news of a historic federal grant.

Executive Director Michelle Stempien announced that the museum ended its 2026 fiscal year on June 30 with a modest surplus, reflecting a steady recovery following several lean years in the early 2020s.

Adding to the momentum, the institution has secured a $19,000 award from the National Endowment for the Arts — the first NEA grant in the museum's history. The funds will support upcoming programming tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

"We are so grateful to the members, visitors, and donors who are keeping the Holland Museum a viable, sustainable resource in our community," Stempien said. "After some lean years, the Holland Museum is proving its value by serving diverse groups of visitors, and those visits are making us a stronger institution."

The federal funding will specifically back two major local exhibitions:

• The "Blue & White Invitational," currently on view through Oct. 18.
• "Anishinaabe Artists of the Great Lakes," an exhibition opening Nov. 6, which showcases contemporary work and traditional craftsmanship across a variety of media.

"The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts," said NEA Chairman Mary Anne Carter. "As we celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary this year, it is a moment to recognize the important role the arts continue to play in our lives, communities, and heritage."

In addition to its main galleries, the Holland Museum oversees two of the area's key landmark properties — the historic Settlers House and the Cappon House — providing educational programming, walking tours, and archive stewardship for the region.

— Submitted by the Holland Museum. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.