Imagine checking the weather for your hometown and seeing a forecast for a completely different place, thousands of miles away. That’s what happened to Dominique Voss from Zwolle, Netherlands, on a rainy afternoon last year. Intrigued, she discovered the American town of Zwolle, Louisiana, named after her own. This sparked a journey across the United States to explore the roots of Dutch people in America, culminating in a visit to her namesake town on December 20, 2023.
Voss is recording a podcast and considering writing a book about her travels. Zwolle, Louisiana, held a special significance, marking a full-circle moment in her exploration. Warmly welcomed by locals Mary Lucille “Betty” Rivers, Martha R. Henderson, and Connie Henderson-Strahan, Voss immersed herself in the town’s heritage. They guided her through landmarks like St. Joseph Catholic Church, Toledo Bend Lake, and the old train depot, now being transformed into a museum chronicling Zwolle’s history.