Nights at the Museum - July 2026
2026-07-21 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Dutch American Heritage Museum, 120 3rd St SW, Orange City, IA, 51041, United States
Kaleb Schrock—Rally ‘Round the Flag!
Schrock’s program promises to captivate audiences of all ages, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the volunteers who shaped Iowa’s legacy.
Schrock became captivated by historical reenactment at the age of 14 thanks to his grandfather. Through meticulous research and dedication to authenticity, he delves into the daily lives of the many Iowan Volunteers in the Civil War, shedding light on the realities of survival in the American Civil War.
Schrock, a 2022 graduate of Northwestern College, is now the recorder’s clerk and Spanish interpreter at the Sioux County Courthouse. In addition to decrees in marketing and Spanish, he is currently completing another degree in history. Schrock is also a museum board member.
Join us as Kaleb opens up the realities of life during the Civil War.

Monthly Merchants Meeting August
2026-08-13 14:30 - 15:00 | Gezellig, 107 Central Ave NE, Orange City, 51041, United States
Monthly Merchants meeting 2:30pm at Gezellig
2nd Thursday of each month

Nights at the Museum - Aug 2026
2026-08-18 18:30 - 19:30 | Dutch American Heritage Museum, 120 3rd St SW, Orange City, IA, 51041, United States
How WWII Memories Shaped Dutch Immigrants at Nights at the Museum
The Dutch American Heritage Museum (DAHM) will welcome historian and author Dr. Richard Reitsma to present a public talk examining how memories of Nazi occupation shaped the lives of Dutch immigrants who came to North America after World War II on Tuesday, August 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The presentation builds on his participation in the 24th Biennial Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Dutch-American Studies (AADAS), held in 2025.
In his upcoming talk, Reitsma will reflect on insights from the AADAS conference and explore how wartime memories created a persistent but often unspoken “background noise” in immigrant households. He notes that the first generation rarely discussed their experiences—an idea central to his historical novel Forgetfulness.
Reitsma’s interest in Dutch history began during his studies at Calvin College and later led him and his wife Margie to spend nearly a decade living in the Netherlands, where he completed a PhD on the province of Overijssel. His career also includes serving as Library Director at Northwestern College in Orange City.
Now retired in Rock Rapids, Reitsma continues to research and write about Dutch history and immigration. The presentation is part of the museum’s popular Nights at the Museum series, which highlights regional history, Dutch immigration, and Sioux County storytelling. Additional upcoming programs include:
Sept. 29 — Bruce Mouw: “Taking Down John Gotti and the Gambino Crime Family” (Special Location will be in the Vogel Room at Northwestern College)
Oct. 20 — Ann Minnick: “Privy to the Past: What outhouse pits reveal about health, beauty and the ads that sold them.”
The event is free and open to the public and will be held at the museum, 120 Third St. SW. Doors open at 6 p.m., and seating is limited.

3rd Thursday Events
2026-08-20 10:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-17 10:00 - 19:00 | Chamber Merchants
3rd Thursday events
Merchants are open until 7pm every 3rd Thursday!
Learn More HERE

August 3rd Thurs Promo
2026-08-20 10:00 - 19:00
Block Party 3rd Thursday!
Come downtown for the end of summer block party
Details here: Merchant Promo Group Page
Sign Up Here:

BBQ Smoke Off 2026
2026-09-12 | Downtown Orange City, 125 Central Ave NE, Orange City, IA, 51041, United States
Downtown Orange City Saturday, September 12, 2026

BBQ Smoke off and sides
Beer Garden
Games
Corn-hole tournament
Football on Big Screens – NWC College & Iowa vs Iowa State Game (Plus others!)
Community Meal Free Will Donation
Fun for all ages!

www.orangecity.biz/bbq
Smoker Teams Welcome!

Downtown Trick or Treat 2026
2026-10-30 12:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Orange City, 125 Central Ave NE, Orange City, IA, 51041, United States
Stop downtown Orange City and visit particpating businesses during the downtown trick or treat from Noon to 5pm.
Look for the Orange trick or treat signs!
