In 1847, 800 Hollanders, under the leadership of Dominie Hendrik Pieter Scholte, left the Netherlands for America to gain religious freedom.  They settled in Iowa and created a town named Pella.  Pella means “City of Refuge”, named after a city the early Christians had fled to in Palestine.  The Dominie promised his wife Mareah, a beautiful home like the one she left in Holland.  He held true to his word and in April 1848 the house was ready.   This historic home sits quietly surrounded by award winning flower gardens.  It is located on the north side of the square in historic downtown Pella, Iowa.   Many of the Scholte’s fine original antiques adorn the museum.  You are invited to visit Dominie and Mareah’s home, their furnishings, their paintings, and learn about their life in Pella.

Tours & Other Information

Self Guided or with a Guide – $5 Adults - $2 Students K-12  - Combination Tickets for Windmill, Historical Village & Scholte House are available for $13 (a $2 saving).  Scholte Gardens are FREE.  A special presentation by “Mareah” is available by appointment for an additional $25.  Self guided tours are 15 minutes or at your leisure.  Allow 45 minutes with a personal guide.  The house is a 2-story structure.  The ground floor is handicapped accessible. The 2nd floor is available by video presentation for those who do not wish to climb the stairs.

Hours: Mon-Sat – 1:00-4:00 or other times by appointment.  Museum closed on Sundays.  Seasonal closing January thru mid March.   During the seasonal closing, tours may be arranged by appointment.  For more information, call 641-628-3684 or email scholtehouse@windstream.net.   Mailing address:  728 Washington Street, Pella, Iowa  50219    ATTN: Beverly J. Graves, Director.