Fries Scheepvaart Museum

In the heart of Sneek, a charming town in the Netherlands, lies the Fries Scheepvaart Museum, a treasure trove of maritime history and cultural heritage. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich seafaring traditions of Friesland and the intriguing history of Sneek itself. Established in 1938, the museum has grown significantly over the years, now occupying multiple historic buildings connected by galleries, offering a seamless journey through time and maritime lore.

The Origins of the Museum

The story of the Fries Scheepvaart Museum begins in 1938 when the Vereeniging Het Friesch Scheepvaart Museum was founded. The initiative was spearheaded by Lucas Poppinga, the then mayor of Sneek, who believed the town needed an indoor attraction for tourists. The idea was tested with a temporary exhibition during the Sneekweek of 1938, which attracted 3,600 visitors in just one month. The overwhelming success led to the establishment of a permanent museum in the Weeshuis on Kruizebroederstraat.

During World War II, the museum faced challenges as the building was commandeered by the German occupiers. However, the collection was safely stored in attics and later relocated to the house of Herre Halbertsma’s great-aunt, Jeltje ten Cate-Halbertsma, at Kleinzand 12. Halbertsma, who became the unpaid curator, along with A.M. Sustring, the board chairman, managed the museum until 1976. The museum was professionalized in 1976, with the establishment of the Stichting Fries Scheepvaart Museum and the appointment of Sytse ten Hoeve as director. Over the years, the museum expanded, now housed in five monumental townhouses on Kleinzand, connected to the former Thomas van Aquinoschool on Hooiblokstraat.

Exploring the Museum

The Fries Scheepvaart Museum is divided into two main sections: the Maritime Department and the Sneek Department. The Maritime Department showcases the history of Frisian seafaring through an impressive collection of ship models, paintings, and ship parts. Meanwhile, the Sneek Department delves into the history of the town and the southwestern region of Friesland, highlighting the strong connection between the town and the water.

One of the museum's highlights is the collection of the Frisian Admiralty, featuring a large cannon from a Frisian warship. Friesland had its own admiralty until 1795, and although it did not have a chamber in the Dutch East India Company (VOC), many Frisians sailed on VOC ships. The museum also showcases the coastal trade that flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, with Frisian skippers making significant profits trading with Scandinavian countries, the Baltic States, France, and Spain.

Beurtvaart and Skûtsjes

The museum's beurtvaart collection highlights the inland navigation network of Friesland, which was extensive and allowed skûtsjes (traditional Frisian sailing vessels) to reach almost every village by water. The skûtsje room offers a glimpse into the life of Frisian skippers who lived and worked with their families on board their ships. The room features a reconstruction of a small cabin, illustrating the cramped living conditions. The museum also displays models and paintings of beurtships and tow barges that maintained transport services between different towns and villages. Larger beurtships even sailed across the Zuiderzee.

Ship Decorations and the Eel Trade

Frisian ships were often lavishly decorated, and the museum boasts a large collection of ship ornaments, including rudder clicks, hatches, and rudder heads. A unique aspect of Frisian maritime history is the eel trade. Eel was exported on a large scale from Heeg, Gaastmeer, and Workum to London, transported in eel barges. The museum also features a collection of sailing and motor yachts, reflecting the modern use of Frisian waterways for water sports.

The Ice Room and the Silver Room

In the winter, Frisian waterways transformed into highways for skaters. The museum's ice room showcases various skates and trophies won by famous Frisian skaters, including those from the renowned Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour). The wealth generated by shipping and trade is evident in the museum's period rooms, furnished in the rococo style, which remained popular in the southwestern region of Friesland for a long time. The silver room displays intricately worked silver products from Sneek silversmiths, including those by Scholte Jansen.

Souvenirs and the Waterpoort

The Waterpoort (Water Gate) is the iconic symbol of Sneek, depicted in numerous paintings and souvenirs. The museum has a beautiful collection of these items, displayed in the period rooms. The Ypecolsga room features murals from a farmhouse in Woudsend, including a painting of a shipyard in operation. The upper floors house a large collection of sailor souvenirs brought back by Frisian sailors from their voyages, including wooden cups from Riga, Archangel boxes, pottery from England, and exotic items like a ship made of cloves.

The Fries Scheepvaart Museum is more than just a repository of maritime artifacts; it is a vibrant testament to the enduring relationship between the people of Friesland and the sea. Whether you are a maritime enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the seafaring legacy of Friesland and the rich history of Sneek.