From Mansion to Main Street: A Progressive Historic Home Tour Celebrates the Holidays and America’s 250th Anniversary

In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, the Felt Estate, Holland Museum, and Zeeland Historical Society are joining forces to present From Mansion to Main Street: A Progressive Historic Home Tour on Friday, December 11, 2026. Blending the spirit of America 250 with a special holiday twist, this unique, full-day experience invites guests to step inside three architecturally and culturally significant historic homes, each specially decorated for the holidays, while discovering the people, families, and stories that helped shape West Michigan.

From the grandeur of the Felt Mansion to the historic neighborhoods of Holland and Zeeland, each stop offers a different perspective on the American experience. Together, the Felt Mansion, Cappon House, and the Dekker Huis Museum tell stories of ambition, immigration, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-building—reflecting how generations of West Michigan residents pursued their own versions of the American Dream. With festive holiday decorations, seasonal refreshments, and warm hospitality throughout the day, this tour offers a memorable way to celebrate both the nation's 250th anniversary and the holiday season.

The day begins at the Felt Mansion with breakfast refreshments and an exclusive guided tour exploring the legacy of industrialist Dorr Felt and his wife, Agnes. Guests will then board a charter bus and travel to Holland for a catered holiday lunch at the historic Holland Armory and then enjoy a guided tour of the Cappon House, the 1874 Italianate home of Dutch immigrant Isaac Cappon, Holland’s first mayor and an influential figure in the city’s early development.

The journey continues at Zeeland’s Dekker Huis Museum for a guided tour of this historic home, learning about the Dekker family and their contributions to the growth of the Zeeland community. The day concludes with festive cocktails before guests are transported back to the Felt Estate.

Throughout the day, museum and historic site staff will share stories and historical context, connecting the individual homes and their residents to the broader history of the region. Narrated bus transportation between locations will provide additional opportunities to learn about the communities and landscapes that connect these historic sites.

“As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, this partnership brings our individual stories together in a more connected way. Each site offers a distinct perspective, providing insight into how the American Dream was understood and pursued by different people across generations,” said Audrey Rojo, Curator and Interim Director of the Zeeland Historical Society.

“At the Felt Estate, we see history as something meant to be experienced, shared, and connected across communities. This partnership allows us to place the Felt story within a broader regional narrative—one that reflects not only innovation and industry, but also family, resilience, and the many ways people have defined home in West Michigan. We’re honored to collaborate with the Holland Museum and Zeeland Historical Society to bring these stories together in a meaningful way,” said Elizabeth McEwen, Executive Director of the Felt Estate.

“We are grateful to the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC) for its generous support of this partnership in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Pairing these stories with the beauty and traditions of the holiday season makes this a particularly special opportunity to experience our shared history and celebrate the communities we call home,” said Michelle Stempien, Executive Director of the Holland Museum.

From Mansion to Main Street: A Progressive Historic Home Tour takes place Friday, December 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $115 per person. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. For tickets and additional information, visit hollandmuseum.org or contact the Holland Museum at (616) 796-3329 or hollandmuseum@hollandmuseum.org. Early reservations are encouraged.

The ticket includes breakfast refreshments, guided tours of all three beautifully decorated historic homes, charter bus transportation, a catered lunch at the Holland Armory, and closing cocktails at the Dekker Huis Museum. Guests can leave the driving to the organizers and enjoy a comfortable, festive day of history, hospitality, and holiday cheer.

This special America 250 program is sponsored by the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council.

Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the properties, the first floors of each home are ADA accessible. Upper floors are accessible by stairs only.