The Medemblikkerloods warehouse in Willemsoord is a place where history comes to life. Here, wood is still worked, just as it was in the past. The name refers to the carpenters from Medemblik who practiced their craft here in the 19th century. In their original warehouse, dating from 1833, wood was dried after having been soaked for years in the Binnenhaven to soften it enough for working.
After serving as a copper warehouse, metalworking shop, and dock workers’ storage facility, the old shed was demolished in the 1980s. However, in 2003, it was rebuilt with the same design and renewed energy. It now serves as a well-equipped woodworking shop where restoration and maintenance of classic ships—from botters to sloops—are carried out.
Thanks to support from the Wadden Fund and the efforts of dozens of volunteers, this warehouse has become a vibrant place. It also houses an instruction room and storage facilities, all dedicated to preserving the Museum Harbor. Everything here exudes craftsmanship, a love of maritime heritage, and a focus on sustainability.
The warehouse is managed by the Willemsoord Shipyard Foundation. A visit is more than just seeing – it’s experiencing how past and future merge in wood, hands, and stories.
