In 1979, the birthplace of Father Gerlacus van den Elsen—co-founder of the N.C.B. (now ZLTO) and the Boerenleenbank, known as “the farmers’ apostle”—was threatened with demolition due to roadworks in Gemert.
The national board of the N.C.B. showed little interest in preserving the farmhouse but did want to retain the commemorative stone from 1956. As a result, the local chapter formed a working group that developed a plan to reconstruct and relocate the farmhouse, including the purchase of land and the construction of outbuildings.
To secure funding for this ambitious project, it was necessary to raise public interest in the life and work of Father van den Elsen. This was achieved through the writing of a biography and the organization of a successful exhibition in 1983. Thanks to various fundraising efforts—including the sale of a slaughterhouse and a service auction—the working group was eventually able to purchase the property and begin restoration in 1985.
This restoration, including the construction of a bakehouse, was made possible with support from the municipality of Gemert, which provided materials for a reception and exhibition space. The project illustrates the successful efforts of local communities to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage.
The Museum Is growing
The Brabant village square of the museum now includes a farmhouse, bakehouse, barn, weaver’s house, blacksmith’s forge, clog workshop, and a combined shop-café. The Boerenbondsmuseum also features a field chapel in honor of Gerlachus van den Elsen, a hand-powered dairy factory, an N.C.B. rendering building, a rural schoolhouse, and a short-gabled farmhouse with a Boerenleenbank.
During the summer season, the museum organizes weekly themed days. It also hosts an annual nostalgic fair, a historical parade, and in winter, a charming ice rink. The museum even serves as the guest residence for Saint Nicholas.
Our Volunteers We must not forget our more than 200 volunteers from the surrounding area, who take care of the museum’s expansion and maintenance, documentation, demonstrations, themed events, guided tours, and more.
These volunteers are led by equally passionate managers. The museum opened in 1990, with Riek and Martien Hurkmans – van de Weijer as its first managers. From 2001 to 2025, Ria Peters-Konings served as the museum’s manager.
