Pella Historical Society welcomed two special guests to the Historical Village and Museums this past week. Executive Director Valerie Van Kooten had lunch with the Netherlands Ambassador to the U.S., Andre Haspels. He was in Iowa to help honor his countryman, Simon Groot, at this week’s World Food Prize ceremony in Des Moines. She says Haspels and his delegation were in Pella, touring Vermeer Corporation and Lely North America, and Groot made an appearance last week. Groot was being recognized for his transformative role in empowering small farmers in more than 60 countries to enhance their incomes through vegetable production.

Pella Historical Society has an event coming up today from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., as Van Kooten says they are hosting a tour of Graceland Cemetery, with actors portraying historical Pella residents buried at Graceland as they talk about their lives and deaths. Tickets will be available at the event starting at Heartland Reformed Church, with tickets costing $5 for members and $10 for non-members.