Visit the Door Peninsula for Door County History Days, a weeklong celebration of history and heritage. From Monday, June 19th to Sunday, June 25th, 15 cultural institutions will host more than 30 special programs. From the Belgian Heritage Center in Southern Door County to Jacobsens Museum on Washington Island, history is on display for all to enjoy.
Follow event updates on https://www.facebook.com/heritageallianceofdoorcounty.
Monday, June 19:
Kick-Off Event, 11 am – 12 pm, Miller Art Museum - 107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Meet organizations located throughout Door County who will be offering unique experiences during History Days and learn more about this week-long celebration of Door County history. Christian Overland, Ruth & Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society; Joel Kitchens, Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 1st district; André Jacques, Member of the Wisconsin State Senate from the 1st district; and representatives from the office of Mike Gallagher, U.S. Congressman Representing the 8th district of Wisconsin will be in attendance to give remarks on the importance of exploring the 'Untold Stories' of our local, regional, and larger communities.
9 am – 4 pm, Exploring the Boynton Chapel through the Eyes of Winifred Boynton, at M3 – 142 S 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Illustrations and photographs of the delightful details of the Boynton Chapel will be on display in the gallery. Works on display created by the hand of Winifred Boynton herself.
10 am – 4 pm, Pottawatomie Light House Museum Guided Tours – Rock Island, Washington, WI
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
1 pm – 4 pm, Boynton Chapel Tours - 7590 Boynton Lane, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Visit, view, and learn about the Norwegian “stavkirke” chapel that is the icon of Björklunden and sits like a jewel at the edge of the forest, facing the shore of Lake Michigan.
https://www.lawrence.edu/bjorklunden/boynton-chapel
2 pm – 3 pm, History of Door County Diving Clubs at the Donald & Carol Kress Pavilion - 7845 Church St, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
When one drives up the door peninsula, there are anchors, rudders, and bowsprits in front of lawns, businesses, and museums. Have you ever wondered where they have come from or why they are there? come learn about the history of Door County Diving Clubs and how their actions have affected the history of shipwrecks in the county.
http://www.eggharborhistory.org/
7 pm – 8 pm, The Door Reminder – Let’s Chat with Lon Kopitzke & Trudy Fandrei, at Liberty Grove Historical Society - 11831 WI-42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Join Lon Kopitske and Trudy Fandrei as they share stories from the 60 year history of The Door Reminder, a once valuable resource for Door County residents and visitors.
https://libertygrovehistorical.org/
Tuesday, June 20:
10 am – 4 pm, Pottawatomie Light House Museum Guided Tours – Rock Island, Washington, WI
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
10 am – 1:30 pm, Alma Folda’s Pinch Pie, at the Pioneer Schoolhouse - 9998 Moravia Street, Ephraim, WI 54211
Meet Alma Folda (portrayed by EHF Educator Kathleen Harris) and hear her story of summering on Horseshoe Island in the early 1900s. Sample Alma's "from scratch" pinch pie recipe, which appeared in the 1931 edition of Joy of Cooking (while supplies last).
11 am – 12 pm, Smörgåsbord: Curator’s Tour at the Anderson Barn Museum - 3060 Anderson Lane, Ephraim, WI 54211
Join the curator for a walkthrough of the Ephraim Historical Foundation’s annual exhibit! Smörgåsbord examines the Village of Ephraim’s food history, featuring objects and photographs from Ephraim’s historic hotels, restaurants, and stores.
12 pm – 1 pm, Modern Diving Clubs & the Science of Shipwrecks at the Door County Maritime Museum - 120 N Madison Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Why do shipwrecks fall apart when they are brought on to land, yet somehow remain intact underwater for decades? In this activity, learn about what happens to different submerged items and what happens when they are taken out of the water, as well as how diving clubs have changed to preserve and appreciate them.
7 pm – 8 pm, The History of Door County Medical Center, at the Corner of the Past Museum, Koessl Barn - 10310 Fieldcrest Rd, Sister Bay, WI 54234
From their founding in 1943 to the opening of the new Sister Bay Clinic and Rehab Center in 2023. Join Brian Stephens, CEO of Door County Medical Center to discuss the history of DCMC, how healthcare needs are changing in Door County, and how the new Sister Bay facility will help to address those needs.
Wednesday, June 21:
9 am – 4 pm, Exploring the Boynton Chapel through the Eyes of Winifred Boynton, at M3 – 142 S 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Illustrations and photographs of the delightful details of the Boynton Chapel will be on display in the gallery. Works on display created by the hand of Winifred Boynton herself.
10 am – 4 pm, Pottawatomie Light House Museum Guided Tours – Rock Island, Washington, WI
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
1 pm – 3 pm, Cabin Vacationing 1920s Style, at the Jacobsen Museum - 2150 Little Lake Rd, Washington, WI 54246
Go back in time to view a vacation cabin built by hand in the 1920s.
1 pm – 3 pm, Drop-in Workshop, Food History at Home, at the Anderson Barn Museum - 3060 Anderson Lane, Ephraim, WI 54211
Behind every recipe is a piece of your history. Bring along a favorite family recipe for this workshop on writing your food history at home, drop in anytime between 1-3pm.
1 pm – 4 pm, Boynton Chapel Tours - 7590 Boynton Lane, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Visit, view, and learn about the Norwegian “stavkirke” chapel that is the icon of Björklunden and sits like a jewel at the edge of the forest, facing the shore of Lake Michigan.
https://www.lawrence.edu/bjorklunden/boynton-chapel
3 pm – 4 pm, Your Community, Your History at the Door County Library in Fish Creek - 4097 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Those who are unfamiliar with Door County’s rich history can often find historical research and resources overwhelming. Door County Historical Museum Assistant Curator Matt Adelman will guide you through the process, proving that anyone with a curiosity for local history or genealogy can start their own journey into research with the right tools and resources.
https://www.doorcountylibrary.org/fishcreek.html
3:30 pm – 5 pm, Play Reading Club: “Loose Lips Sink Ships”, at the Door County Library - 107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Actors from Third Avenue Playworks and Northern Sky Theater collaborate in this reading of the classic musical about female shipyard workers during World War II.
https://www.doorcountylibrary.org/
Thursday, June 22:
9 am – 10 am, Roots of Our Village Walking Tour, meet at the Olga Dana Green – across from the Ephraim Visitor Information Center 10049 Water Street, Ephraim, WI 54211
Who was Olga Dana? Which nearby buildings did notable architect William Bernhard design? Local history and Door County's landscape are featured on this mile-long tour that includes a jaunt along Moravia St to view the Niagara Escarpment. Rolling terrain, moderate hiking.
9 am – 10 am, Uncovering Stones to Discover Your Past, at the Juddville Cemetery - 8683 Gibraltar Blf Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Join us to discover the best practices for headstone care and find what lies beneath the moss, lichens, and debris. We are preserving the past the right way and will show proper tools and cleaning products, plus tips on cemetery rules and who owns the headstones. Come and discover more about our past and what lies beneath. Contact Gibraltar Historical Association for more details: noblehousefc@gmail.com.
https://www.historicnoble.org/
9 am – 4 pm, Exploring the Boynton Chapel through the Eyes of Winifred Boynton, at M3 – 142 S 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Illustrations and photographs of the delightful details of the Boynton Chapel will be on display in the gallery. Works on display created by the hand of Winifred Boynton herself.
10 am – 4 pm, Pottawatomie Light House Museum Guided Tours – Rock Island, Washington, WI
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
1 pm, The Belgian Settlement and the True Store of the Historic St. Mary of the Snows Cemetery, at the Belgian Heritage Center - 1255 County Highway DK, Brussels, WI
The first Belgians came to Northeast Wisconsin 170 years ago. Learn about their settlements as well as the unique cemetery situated on the campus of the Belgian Heritage Center.
http://www.belgianheritagecenter.org/en-us/default.aspx
4 pm – 8 pm, 23rd Annual ‘Lake to Table’ Fish Boil Fundraiser at Liberty Grove Historical Society - 11831 WI-42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Please RSVP using the QR code to secure your spot for a 4,5,6, or 7p seating, along with your menu selection. Ordering online is safe, easy and will greatly help LGHS plan for this onsite event in the barn. This all-inclusive Whitefish fish boil dinner is still priced at $25 per adult. Additional choices include Broasted Chicken dinner, junior dinner (fish and chicken) for $15 and a boxed ham sandwich (with banana, chocolate chip cookie, and juice box) for $10. All dinners include baby red potatoes, onions, coleslaw, Swedish Limpa rye bread, water, lemonade, coffee and cherry pie dessert. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase.
https://libertygrovehistorical.org/event/fish-boil-fundraiser/
7 pm – 8 pm, History Speaks: Connections, meet at the Ridges Sanctuary - 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
The Ephraim Historical Foundation is teaming up with The Ridges Sanctuary to share stories about people with ties to both organizations - Harold Wilson, Roy Lukas, Bill Beckstrom, Sarah Wright and others. What can we learn from their legacy? How do these 20th century preservationists continue to shape Door County today? Interactive discussion features archival items. Optional trail walk, weather permitting.
Friday, June 23:
10 am – 4 pm, Pottawatomie Light House Museum Guided Tours – Rock Island, Washington, WI
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
10 am – 4 pm, Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum Reopening - Jackson Harbor Rd, Washington Island, WI 54236
This popular museum will open again today after four years. Join us to celebrate and take part in activities for all ages related to Washington Island, its people, boats, and water.
11 am – 12 pm, Indigenous Literature Discussions, at the Heritage Village at Big Creek - 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
As part of Door County Historical Society's History Lit series, come explore writings celebrating indigenous culture. Lear where to find native stories, and how to support native artists. In celebration of History Days, a special book signing and discussion with an indigenous author will be featured.
https://doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org/heritage-village/
2 pm – 3 pm, The Lost Road – The Hidden Story of the Casgrain’s Cranberry Marsh, in the Jane Greene Room at the Door County Library - 107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Time has erased this road from the landscape, which at one time led to a cranberry bog in a remote section of Sturgeon Bay Township, north of the canal. This story of the people and the enterprise that briefly flourished there in the late 1800s sheds some light on the early history of this locale.
https://www.doorcountylibrary.org/
Saturday, June 24:
9 am – 4 pm, Open Door Pride: Creative Hub, at M3 - 142 S 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Stop by M3 during the Open Door Pride event for the What's My Pride? photo exhibit and selfie station, where you can add to the archive, as well as free crafts and family fun!
10 am – 4 pm, Liberty Grove Historical Society Season Opener - 11831 WI-42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Join us in celebrating the official opening of the LGHS museum buildings for the 2023 season on Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 – 4:00 pm. Docents will be on site.
https://libertygrovehistorical.org/
10 am – 4 pm, Pottawatomie Light House Museum Guided Tours – Rock Island, Washington, WI
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
11 am – 1 pm, Indigenous Stories, at the Heritage Village at Big Creek – 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Join tribal representatives and local Door County historians as they explore the importance of Indigenous storytelling. Come learn about prominent native figures in Door County's history, and discover firsthand the vibrant living cultures of the region's tribal groups. Light refreshments available for a small donation.
https://doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org/heritage-village/
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Sharing Under the Family Tree in the Jane Greene Room at the Door County Library - 107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Join Steven Rice from the Door County Historical Museum to learn about sharing your family stories. Bring a member of your family from every generation to put together a family tree craft and share the stories that make your family unique.
https://www.doorcountylibrary.org/
Sunday, June 25:
9 am – 12 pm, Waffle Breakfast, at the Belgian Heritage Center - 1255 County Highway DK, Brussels, WI
Enjoy this traditional Belgian breakfast which includes homemade waffles, scrambled eggs, Belgian trippe, and a beverage. Adults $12, Kids $7 (three and under free)
http://www.belgianheritagecenter.org/en-us/default.aspx
10 am – 4 pm, Pottawatomie Light House Museum Guided Tours – Rock Island, Washington, WI
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.