Molen De Schoolmeester
The only working paper mill in the world. A number of important inventions were made at the Zaan, including the grinding mill or so-called 'Hollander'. The principle of papermaking consists of fiberising textile waste such as rags, old rope and fishing tackle.
By using the grinder, the paper-making process could be reduced to a quarter of the time and the quality of the product considerably improved. With success, because at the end of the 17th century, there were around 40 paper mills in the Zaan region, all equipped with two or three scooping tanks. Since 1692, De Schoolmeester had always been in the hands of one or two owners at the same time, but from 1 January 1977 it was owned by just one, namely Vereniging De Zaansche Molen.
De Schoolmeester makes Zaansch Bord, a sturdy paper in various sizes and colours. Cards are made with it and it is used by bookbinders and artists.
Opening hours
- Every Monday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Every Tuesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Every Wednesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Every Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Every Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Every Saturday closed
- Every Sunday closed
- De Schoolmeester is closed during the Christmas holidays.