June 5, 2025

A Day By the Sea

A group of 16 smiling people stand in bright sunlight with water, a building and three brick smokestacks in the background. — We won the weather lottery!

Last Friday we traveled north to visit the Zuiderzee and open-air museum. The museum showcases the maritime history of the region before the Afsluitdijk (a major dam) closed off the Zuiderzee (a saltwater inlet of the North Sea) and turned it into a freshwater lake. We spent the day touring the heritage village learning and enjoying the beautiful weather, and each student had the opportunity to explore their own interests.

Two side-by-side photos show scenery along a canal: wooden and brick buildings, a footbridge in the distance, and a boat-shaped shelter with two goats underneath. — Our travel photographers found plenty to capture! (Photo credits: Liam, left; Bella, right)

Two students stand in front of three large brick structures with ovens at the base tapering into tall smokestacks — Our ceramicists (Tori and Riley) found the kilns.

A person facing away from the viewer studies a plaque next to the door of a brick building. — Aidan investigated the history of water and flooding and its impact on villages and city planning.

A student eating french fries at a table, looks down at a duck who is on the ground looking up towards the fries. — And sometimes, friends find us!