History

introduction

Stoomgemaal "The Cruquius" in 1849, an industrial monument of world class.

Along with the pumping stations' Leeghwater "and" Lijnden "Cruquius pumped from 1849 to 1852 until the Haarlemmermeer was empty and then the resulting dry polder to 1912. Cruquius became first reserve and on June 10, 1933 with a ceremonial final pump stroke it was decommissioned.

In this unique pumping station narrowly escaped the demolition, by the on October 22, 1934 established "The Foundation Cruquius", which is a museum of the pumping station was made and maintained.

The museum may use the title 'Registered Museum' and expresses a wide audience. The pumping station is the technical highlight of the romantic steamperiod in the Netherlands and one anchor point in the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH), a network of industrial heritage sites in Europe.