By the end of 2007, once the financing had been organized it was possible to begin renovating the museum building. The museum had to be ready by the 30th October 2009. So the volunteers had to pullout all the stops to get this daring feat of work completed within one year.

First diverse parts of the barn had to be pulled down. Not everything had to be raised to the ground; the work could only be carried out by using various subtle tricks.

As the dismantling of the barn progressed it became quite clear that spider webs were not sufficient to keep the walls standing. In order to make it possible to dig out a cellar, all the sections of the building that were to be retained had to be enclosed in a steel construction.

So far as the danger of everything collapsing was concerned, once the cellar was ready we were in calmer waters. Under full sail, so to speak, we set about realizing the casco and laying the leads to connect with the heating pumps.

When that was successful, the numerous volunteers could let themselves go in the museum. For many months people had worked deep into the might to get everything ready on time.

Even on the night before the opening work carried on. While the pople who had set-up the exhibits were putting the finishing toches, the volunteeers climbed into their best suits ready for the opening.

On Friday 30th October 2009 the spot light were on Nieuwdorp. Thanks to numerous firms and institutions, but especially thanks to the volunteers, the renovation was behind us, and the Royal Highness Princess Margriet could open the museum.