The first farm

The Co-operative Village is located at Nyvang, an old large farm of 44 hectare just south of Holbæk. The first farm in this place was a half-timbered farm of four lengths erected in 1780 by district revenue officer Jens With after the enclosure movement in 1777. The farm has been for sale often. Among the owners are Lieutenant H. Holm, whose signature can be seen on the house ends of the former cowshed from 1903 and stable from 1904, which are the only remaining breeding buildings from this period.

These two buildings contained a livestock of 150 milking cows, 60 young cattle and calves as well as four bulls, 18 horses and ten young horses and foals. Furthermore, the farm bred piglets from 30 sows. A farm bailiff, a herdsman, two apprentices, a farm foreman and ten farmhands were employed to tend to these animals. Other staff consisted of a wheelman, a housekeeper and four girls. In the summertime, further ten day-labourers and ten Polish beet workers were hired.

The creation of the Co- operative village

The main building, which was built in the last half of the 1800s, was rebuilt in its current state in 1911. During this period two landless houses were attached to the farm. One of them still exists. The Nyvang Farm was used for farming until 1965, where the army took over the place and used it as an exercise area until 1985. After the closure of Holbæk Barracks, Nyvang was handed over to Holbæk Municipality, which started a production school in the area. During the following years, ideas were spawned to mediate the Co-operative Movement – from 1870 to 1950 – to generations to come; an era, which even then could only be recalled by people above 30 years of age. In 1992, the Co-operative Village of Nyvang opened.

The Co-operative village grows

By the ten years’ anniversary in 2002, the Co-operative Village had grown to several times its original size. Apart from dairy, forge and smallholding, the first buildings to be erected, Trønninge Co-op, Zone Station, Letter Drop, Radio Shop, Butcher Shop, a large collection of horse carriages and a range of permanent as well as variable exhibitions have been established.

The Co-operative Village is under continual rebuilding. During the seasons of 2006 - 2007 the Church of Saint Stefan will be finalized. Later in the future we will see the completion of the Sawmill, the building of a co-op cold storage house and a co-op bakery.

A historical experience centre

Co-operative Village Nyvang is more a historical experience centre than an actual museum. The visitor can see, hear, smell and taste their way around the place. There are relevant activities daily in the majority of the buildings. These activities invite our guests to present their own experience of and knowledge about the Co-operative Movement and this is exactly the point.

The Co-operative Village Nyvang, which is now an independent institution run by a few employees and many volunteers, receives public funds to help with daily operations, while financing of new buildings comes from various sponsors and foundations.