Dine Fundraiser: Port Sandy Bay
Mar
21
4:00 PM16:00

Dine Fundraiser: Port Sandy Bay

port sandy bay.jpg

Not that ordering a sno-coaster pizza, a fish plate, or a burger and cheese curds takes much arm twisting to begin with, but now there's an added reason to indulge. The Manitowoc County Historical Society and Port Sandy Bay have partnered together to raise money and awareness for our mission to bring the stories of our past to life. A percentage from each order will help support our local history preservation and education.

Dine with us on Thursday, March 21 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Port Sandy Bay!

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Hungry for History: JFK Prep Basketball and the Legacy of Mickey Crowe
Mar
28
11:00 AM11:00

Hungry for History: JFK Prep Basketball and the Legacy of Mickey Crowe

Mickey Crowe was a skinny, 6-foot-5 long-haired sharpshooter who played for his father, Marty, a Hall of Fame coach, at the JFK Prep boarding school located St. Nazianz. By the time Crowe’s prep career concluded in 1975, he was the state’s all-time leading scorer with 2,724 points, a record that stood until Wausaukee’s Anthony Pieper blew past it in 1993.

Relive the story with Brett Christopherson of the Appleton Post-Crescent.

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Volunteer Open House and Luncheon
Apr
18
11:30 AM11:30

Volunteer Open House and Luncheon

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Learn all about the volunteer opportunities at our Manitowoc County Historical Society and join us in thanking our dedicated volunteer crew for all their efforts to strengthen our mission! Walk the grounds, check out our historic structures, and celebrate National Volunteer Week with us.  

You’ll enjoy a light lunch while hearing all about the many opportunities available for volunteers - from buildings and grounds, to interpretation, education, archives, and guest services. We’ll also hear from current volunteers about what they do and what it means to them.

Want to join us? RSVP to our Engagement Manager, Devinne, at (920) 684-4445 or guestservices@manitowoccountyhistory.org.

Interested, but can't attend? Connect with us and a member of our team will follow up with you.

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Supper at Sorenson
Apr
18
6:00 PM18:00

Supper at Sorenson

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Gather at the Sorenson House table for a delightful, simple, historic supper. Enjoy the sites, sounds, and smells of a kitchen from days gone by. Mrs. Sorenson and her helpers will be glad to have you at their table. There is nothing they like better than a houseful of merriment.

At the table guests will be served a historic menu prepared by a local restaurant, in the comfort of the Sorenson house.

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Spring Clean Up
Apr
23
to Apr 24

Spring Clean Up

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday April 24 from 9 AM to 2 PM - Arrive any time and stay as long as you like!

Folks, there is no finer therapy, drug, cream, or tonic more beneficial to the human body than Powerful Potent Pinecrest Elbow Grease! Our amazing volunteers enjoy the newest health craze by joining us for our annual spring cleaning! Volunteers will help rake leaves and dust/clean our historic structures.

Cleaning supplies are available but if you are able, please bring your own as well. Snacks will be provided throughout the day.

Register to attend spring clean-up by calling the museum at (920) 684-4445 or emailing GuestServices@ManitowocCountyHistory.org. Volunteers should check in at the McAllister House Welcome Center for cleaning assignments.

*While we focus on our spring clean-up, we want to reminder you that we need volunteers to help clean our historic structures throughout our summer season! Join us each week or for a few hours each month and help make our buildings shine!

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Dine Fundraiser: Cousins Subs
Apr
25
4:00 PM16:00

Dine Fundraiser: Cousins Subs

Dine with us at Cousins Subs on Thursday April 25 from 4 pm to 8 pm. No flyer needed, simply visit Cousins Subs during the fundraiser hours and 20% from your order will be donated to MCHS.

Proceeds will help support the hands-on education program at the museum, such as Create-Connect Workshops, Homeschool programs, and our popular public programs.

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Scout Day!
Apr
27
9:00 AM09:00

Scout Day!

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Manitowoc County Historical Society proud to offer programming for scouts to earn badges, petals, loops, and patches. The programing for scouts typically fulfils a badge requirement but additional activities outside of the program may be required. Museum admission is included in the price of the program.

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Member Appreciation Month
May
1
to May 31

Member Appreciation Month

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This month is all about Members! Join us for hot membership topics and questions once a week for the entire month of May.

Each Tuesday, from 12:00 pm until 12:30 pm, our Engagement Manager will be live streaming on our Facebook Page all of the ins-and-outs of being a Member at the Manitowoc County Historical Society, and the ways you can take advantage of your membership locally and nationally!

You do not need to be a member of the Manitowoc County Historical Society or have a Facebook account to view these livestreams. Click on the Facebook Link above to be taken to our page to view each livestream. Links to the livestreams will be posted to this page during the month of May. The livestreams will always be available on our Facebook Page.

  • May 7 2024: General information about MCHS membership. What are our membership prices? What are the benefits? How long does a membership last?

  • May 14 2024: Member online registration. You’ve purchased a membership: Congratulations! You’ve received your membership card and you’d like to register for some of our specialty programming online to receive your membership discount. How do you do that? This week, our Engagement Manager will walk you through registering your account.

  • May 21 2024: Digital Cards. Our membership includes access to a digital card so you don’t have to add your physical card to your wallet. How do you download your card? Or you have a digital card and it still displays an old date or information, we will show you how to fix that.

  • May 28 2024: The Time Traveler’s Network. Did you know that your membership card can get you discounted or free access to over 500 museums NATIONWIDE? Including 10 institutions locally? We explore the Time Traveler’s Network, what museums locally are part of the program, and how you can use your membership nationally.

Also, join us for Member exclusive events such as Member Swap Weekend on Thursday May 16-Sunday May 19.

 
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18th Annual Homegrown Heritage Breakfast Fundraiser
May
4
8:00 AM08:00

18th Annual Homegrown Heritage Breakfast Fundraiser

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Guests will discover the variety of quality foods produced in Manitowoc County and celebrate our strong agricultural heritage.  Funds raised at the event will help the Manitowoc County Historical Society in their efforts to preserve and promote local history through a wide variety of education programs. 

The breakfast will be prepared by Late’s BBQ and will feature a wide variety of food from local producers.  The breakfast will feature items from local food producers including: Humpty Dumpty Eggs, Natural Ovens Bakery breads, Newton Meats, Willow Creek Mill pancake mix, Pine River Dairy butter, local jams, and beverages provided by Kwik Trip and McDonalds.

*The breakfast is available while supplies last. Dine-in and carry out options are available.

Tickets are available the day of the Breakfast only. The cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children, and free for those under age 4.

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MCLS Library Card Free Day
May
11
10:00 AM10:00

MCLS Library Card Free Day

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the Manitowoc-Calumet Library System for a free day at the Manitowoc County Historical Society. Guests can show their MCLS library card to tour the museum at no cost.

A story time at Shadyside School will be presented by the Manitowoc Public Library at 11:00 am.

A variety of make-and-take activities will be available for youth inside our Shadyside School. 

Click HERE to learn more about the Manitowoc Public Library.

Click HERE to learn more about the Lester Public Library

Click HERE to learn more about Brillion Public Library

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Civil War Muster
May
11
10:00 AM10:00

Civil War Muster

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the 41st Virginia and Wyatt’s Battery , Confederate Infantry and Artillery living history units, as they prepare and train. Spring muster activities include practice firing, military maneuvers, and comradery. Watch these reenactors knock the dust off and come back in September to see them again during Civil War Remembered (September 28 and 29).

There will not be a main battle reenactment nor an encampment as part of this program.

 

Join us for Civil War Remembered on September 28 and 29 to relive the stories of our Civil War era past!

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Member Swap Weekend
May
16
to May 19

Member Swap Weekend

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Thursday May 16

Friday May 17

Saturday May 18

Sunday May 19

*Please check the open hours for each individual organization.

Member Swap Weekend gives you access to participating local museums. Explore museums across Manitowoc County with family, friends, or anyone covered by your membership. Hours vary by museum.

To visit, show your Manitowoc County Historical Society membership card for walk-up admission at the participating museums. Number admitted free depends on your membership level.

Members of participating museums also receive free admission to the Manitowoc County Historical Society on Member Swap Weekend. 

Participating museums include:

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum

Rahr West Art Museum

Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Rogers Street Fishing Village


Not a Manitowoc County Historical Society member yet? Join today! 

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World War I Encampment
Jun
1
to Jun 2

World War I Encampment

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Saturday, June 1, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, June 2, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Explore the Great War and its effect on Manitowoc County. Manitowoc County, with a population of 45,000, sent more than 2,300 of her sons to World War I. Company H Manitowoc's unit in the Old Wisconsin National Guard became Company H of the 127th infantry of the 32nd Division after being recruited and trained in Texas. Meanwhile, the people of Manitowoc County were actively supporting the war effort through their time, resources, and contributions from their factories.

Visit the camps of various nations and learn about their role in the war. Step into a display area focusing on Manitowoc County during WWI. Have a relative that served? Stop by to learn about your WWI relatives and the units they served with.

General admission: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for youth 4-17, children under 4 years of age are free. General Admission is always free for members! You can purchase your tickets when you arrive or pre-purchase your admission tickets.

Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!

The World War One Encampment is made possible with support from Bank First.

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The Longest Day
Jun
21
4:00 PM16:00

The Longest Day

June 21 is considered the summer solstice and the longest daylight of the year. For those living with dementia and their loved ones, every day is often the longest day of the year.

The Museum and Village will be open for extended hours, free of charge - with donations appreciated for the Historical Society’s SPARK! program. (Learn more about the SPARK! program!)

Trams will be available for guests needed assistance to see and tour Pinecrest Village.

Who can attend this program: Anyone! Families living with dementia, and all guests, may attend this FREE after-hours opportunity to visit the Museum and Village.

There will also be information tables set up to learn more about the SPARK! program and other community resources for families living with dementia. Other activities include: Kids hands-on toys, historic skills demos, and more.

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Historic Exposition & Agricultural Fair
Sep
7
to Sep 8

Historic Exposition & Agricultural Fair

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come one, come all to the great Historic Exposition & Agricultural Fair! The event will feature all the things a 19th century and early 20th century agricultural fair would. Presented in partnership with the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club, enjoy threshing demonstrations, implement dealers with the ‘latest’ in farm equipment and technology, and other agriculture related demonstrations. Fairgoers will also experience sharpshooting contests, horse racing, baking, preserves, games, and more.

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Civil War School Day
Sep
27
9:30 AM09:30

Civil War School Day

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Discover more about Manitowoc County during the Civil War! Participants learn how the soldiers and citizens of the Union lived during the conflict. Meet Civil War legends, watch cavalry and artillery demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities and tour Pinecrest Village's museum buildings. This program is open to all public, private, and home school students. Reservations are required.

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All Hallow's Eve: Pinecrest Village Trick-or-Treat
Oct
13
2:00 PM14:00

All Hallow's Eve: Pinecrest Village Trick-or-Treat

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
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Guests will enjoy an evening of 1890s-style family fun, with a retelling of legendary Halloween stories while trick-or-treating among the historic structures of Pinecrest Village.

General admission: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for youth 4-17, children under 4 years of age are free. General Admission is always free for members! You can purchase your tickets when you arrive or pre-purchase your admission tickets.

Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!

All Hallow’s Eve Trick or Treat is made possible by Community First Credit Union and Meijer.


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Supper at Sorenson
Oct
24
6:00 PM18:00

Supper at Sorenson

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Gather at the Sorenson House table for a delightful, simple, historic supper. Enjoy the sites, sounds, and smells of a kitchen from days gone by. Mrs. Sorenson and her helpers will be glad to have you at their table. There is nothing they like better than a houseful of merriment.

At the table guests will be served a historic menu prepared by a local restaurant, in the comfort of the Sorenson house.

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Hungry for History: "The Wisconsin Supper Clubs Story" with Ron Faiola
Nov
14
5:00 PM17:00

Hungry for History: "The Wisconsin Supper Clubs Story" with Ron Faiola

Ron Faiola has been called “Wisconsin’s legacy filmmaker” and a “supper club guru.”  His best selling book series, Wisconsin Supper Clubs: An Old Fashioned Experience (2013), and Wisconsin Supper Clubs: Another Round (2016), helped ignite supper club fever in the Badger State.  He was awarded a gold medal from the Midwest Independent Publishers Association for his third book, The Wisconsin Supper Clubs Story: An Illustrated History, With Relish (2021). His recently released fourth book, Wisconsin Supper Clubs Second Edition, is an expanded and updated version of his first book.

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Pinecrest Christmas
Dec
13
to Dec 14

Pinecrest Christmas

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Friday, December 13 from 4 to 8 pm
Saturday, December 14 from 12 Noon to 6 pm

Bundle up for a holiday visit to explore the season's traditions at the Manitowoc County Historical Society's Pinecrest Village. From lantern lit walks to a visit from Santa on Saturday, there is something for everyone as you venture into homes and businesses while they prepare for the holiday season.


General admission: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for youth 4-17, children under 4 years of age are free. General Admission is always free for members! You can purchase your tickets when you arrive or pre-purchase your admission tickets.

Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!


Join us for a VIP Wassail walking Tour!

Purchase your VIP ticket to follow along on a guided 60 minute holiday wassail experience tour.

You’ll knock on the doors of our historic houses and enjoy food and beverages along the way.

Tickets include the Wassail Tour and general admission to Pinecrest Christmas. Guests are encouraged to join in the general Pinecrest Christmas program activities both before and after the Wassail experience.

The cost is $45. Visit the Wassail Tour Experience webpage for more information and to purchase your tickets.


Pinecrest Christmas is made possible by: Community First Credit Union, A.C.E. Building Service, and Bitter Neuman Appliance Furniture & Mattress.

 
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Local History Trivia Night Fundraiser at Sabbatical Brewing Co.
Mar
14
6:00 PM18:00

Local History Trivia Night Fundraiser at Sabbatical Brewing Co.

How well do you know our local history?

Compete and find out with a local history trivia night, held at Sabbatical Brewing Co.! The contest consists of three rounds of trivia, with 12 questions in each round. Each round of trivia is focused on a specific local history topic. Space is limited, so reserve your team early!

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Hungry for History: Manitowoc County's Lost Treasures
Feb
29
11:00 AM11:00

Hungry for History: Manitowoc County's Lost Treasures

Historic structures can be lost to time. Join the Manitowoc County Historical Society in uncovering some well-known former landmarks such as the Opera House, Carnegie Library, and Post Office in Manitowoc, Turner Hall and the James E. Hamilton residence in Two Rivers, the old train depot in Valders, and the lime kilns in Grimms. Travel along with a photographic journey to eleven communities: Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Kiel, Valders, Reedsville, Clarks Mills, Maribel, Grimms, Oslo, Centreville, and Manitowoc Rapids.

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Sleigh Rally
Feb
10
10:00 AM10:00

Sleigh Rally

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

2/6/2024 Update: The Manitowoc County Historical Society has canceled its Sleigh Rally, scheduled for Saturday, February 10, due to the warm weather and the lack of snow. The safety of the teamsters, horses, and guests is the priority. While sleighs will no longer gather for rides or competitions, guests are still invited to take a walking stroll through the historic Pinecrest Village grounds from 10 am to 4 pm on February 10.

Site stroll admission is $5 per person. General Admission is always free for members!

The Manitowoc County Historical Society celebrates the history and the joys of horse-drawn sleigh driving with an old-fashioned sleigh rally. Antique horse-drawn sleighs will converge on the museum’s Pinecrest Village for the sleigh rally, featuring drivers competing in a variety of categories.

Bring your sleds to take a turn down the iconic Pinecrest hill. Hot beverages will be available in the Two Creeks Town Hall. Wood stoves will be lit in some of the historic structures for warmth as well!

General admission: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for youth 4-17, children under 4 years of age are free. General Admission is always free for members! You can purchase your tickets when you arrive or pre-purchase your admission tickets.

Got a sleigh? Register here to join us for the fun!

Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!


According to historians, getting about in winter via sleigh over snow-packed roads was easier and smoother than navigating bumpy roads at other times of the year. Also, sleigh bells were for safety, not just for decoration. The jingling sound prevented collisions since sleighs slid so silently over the snow. As writer Samuel G. Goodrich observed in 1840: “…a sleigh and horse go so quietly and noiselessly on the snow that some warning to the ear is necessary, especially at night…”

A Sleigh Rally is all about nostalgia. There are still winter mornings when the smoke from a wood stove wisps into clear skies and you can almost relive life as it was 100 years ago.

Here horse and sleigh owners show off as they compete for honors based on such qualities as authenticity, condition and gracefulness.

The scene looks like a Currier & Ives lithograph come to life: a circle of horse-drawn sleighs, some bright red and sleek, others black and bulky or with racing stripes, parading proudly on a field of snow.

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Museum Store Sunday
Nov
26
10:00 AM10:00

Museum Store Sunday

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Museum Store at the Manitowoc County Historical Society is thrilled to participate in this signature annual Museum Store Sunday and join museum stores worldwide by offering quality gifts filled with inspiration and educational value.

MCHS Members to the Historical Society's Museum Store will save 10% on everything in the store. This includes Pinecrest Historical Village blacksmithing crafts as well as books, toys, candy, Wisconsin items and local artwork. Gift wrapping will be available.

The Museum Store is located inside the Manitowoc County Historical Society's McAllister House Welcome Center, 924 Pinecrest Road in Manitowoc, and will be open from 10 am to 3 pm on November 26.

Purchases benefit the Manitowoc County Historical Society's mission to preserve and share our local history. Museums foster appreciation and knowledge of art, nature, culture, science, and history. When you purchase a gift from the museum store, you help to sustain the museum’s service to our community and the public.

Be A Patron on Museum Store Sunday and all year round. Shop knowing you are supporting the missions and programs of our local history.

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Lost & Found: The Search for USS Lagarto (Hungry for History)
Nov
16
5:30 PM17:30

Lost & Found: The Search for USS Lagarto (Hungry for History)

Wisconsin Maritime Museum Submarine Curator, Karen Duvalle will share the journey after the discovery of the USS Lagarto, which will include incredible stories of the crew, finding and meeting their families, discoveries and connections made along the way, and how this discovery set the standard for more WWII submarine wrecks. 

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Candlelight Night
Oct
20
5:00 PM17:00

Candlelight Night

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Campfires and candlelight provide illumination for this outdoor evening walking tour of the Manitowoc County Historical Society’s Pinecrest Village. Guests will eavesdrop as Pinecrest Village residents go about their evening and invite you to take part in preparing food, finishing business for the day, and enjoying the evening night at the saloon.

General admission: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for youth 4-17, children under 4 years of age are free. General Admission is always free for members! You can purchase your tickets when you arrive or pre-purchase your admission tickets.

Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!

Candlelight Night is made possible with support from: the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation.

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Supper at Sorenson
Oct
19
6:00 PM18:00

Supper at Sorenson

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Gather at the Sorenson House table for a delightful, simple, historic supper catered by Courthouse Pub. Enjoy the sites, sounds, and smells of a kitchen from days gone by. Mrs. Sorenson and her helpers will be glad to have you at their table. There is nothing they like better than a houseful of merriment.

At the table guests will be served a historic menu prepared by the chefs at Holla, in the comfort of the Sorenson house.

Menu: Braised Chicken, mashed potatoes, and heirloom carrots.

Advanced registration is required. The cost is $65 per person. MCHS members receive a 15% discount.


Historic Dinner programs are much more than a meal. You’ll be transported back in time to experience an intimate snack, tea, or supper sampler gathered around the wood stove and learn about life in the past from your cook and dinner hosts. In order to plan for this special experience, the Manitowoc County Historical Society relies on advanced tickets for each program. Since this experience is so different from a simple restaurant reservation, we are unable to provide a full refund for last minute cancellations. 

ALLERGY CONCERNS

Our meals are prepared in the style of the historic period and served family style. We generally cannot alter recipes without impacting other guests at the table. Most of our recipes contain butter, margarine, eggs, chicken or beef stock, flour, and other gluten containing ingredients. If you have questions about a food allergy, please contact us at least two weeks prior to your program at (920) 684-4445 or send an email to programs@ManitowocCountyHistory.org.

FULL TABLE

The maximum number of attendees per program is 8.

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Mid-Lakes Thresheree
Sep
9
to Sep 10

Mid-Lakes Thresheree

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
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Feel the ground shake with the roar of antique power!

2023 Feature: 
Vintage Work Trucks and Ford Tractors

Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10; from 10 am to 4 pm

For the past 25 years, generations of Threshermen and women get together to relive the tradition of the good ole’ days and bring the past to life for the enjoyment of young and old alike at the Mid-Lakes Thresheree, presented in partnership with the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club. There will be timed narrations and demonstrations, ongoing activities for all ages, and hands-on activities to celebrate the fall harvest.

The Mid-Lakes Thresheree is an interactive outdoor event which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Wisconsin rural life experiences. Whether it’s seeing antique farm machines at work, helping set a threshermen’s table at the Sorenson House, or an exciting stroll through 25 different interactive historic structures, there’s always something exciting happening at our Thresheree. It’s home to endless discoveries about history, science, art, and nature, and the event weekend is brimming with activities you won’t want to miss!


Narrated demonstrations

11:00 am- Binder

12:30 pm - Ford Tractor and 3 point hitch

1:30 pm - Join the threshing crew! /explanation of threshing machine/steam engine

2:30 pm- sawmill/planer/shingle mill


timed activities

11 am to 1 pm Shadyside School will have kids activities with special story times at TBD


ongoing Activity

Visit the Meeme House Livery to meet farm animals.
Learn about butter and cheesemaking at the Cheese Factory.

 

Food and Beverages can be found on site with Brian’s Smokehouse, Manitowoc.

General admission: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for youth 4-17, children under 4 years of age are free. General Admission is always free for members! You can purchase your tickets when you arrive or pre-purchase your admission tickets.

Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!

The Mid-Lakes Thresheree is made possible with support from: Country Visions, Bank First, CP Feeds, Eis Implement Inc., and Seehafer Broadcasting.

 

Check out pictures from previous Thresheree programs:


Presented in partnership with

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The Mid-Lakes Thresheree is an immersive experience unlike any other.  The event is put on in partnership between the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Tractor Club, a non-profit, volunteer run organization, and the Manitowoc County Historical Society, a private 501c3 non-profit museum. 

Our groups have a clear goal—to educate the public and future generations with demonstrations of vintage agriculture.

This cooperative effort brings to life Wisconsin’s rich agricultural heritage with popular displays, field demonstrations, and countless activities for visitors of all ages. 


Interested in bringing a tractor or equipment?
Exhibitor Information

Exhibitors will need to register on site. Exhibitors are encouraged to be active participants in the Mid-Lakes Thresheree with their equipment.

Registration and set up for Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club members (ONLY) on Friday.

General public exhibitors registration and set up begins at 8 am on Saturday.

For more information please contact Steve Kress at (920) 946-0706 or skress1955@gmail.com.

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Community Free Day - Sponsored by TDS
Aug
27
10:00 AM10:00

Community Free Day - Sponsored by TDS

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Learn more at https://tdsfiber.com/

ALL visitors* (excluding groups) receive FREE access to the Manitowoc County Historical Society and the historic structures of its recreated Pinecrest Historical Village during TDS Community Free Day on Sunday, August 27!

*Children must be accompanied by an adult to receive free admission. 


Nestled in the scenic rolling Ice Age Kettle Moraine countryside of Eastern Wisconsin, the Manitowoc County Historical Society is a museum of living history.  Feel the heat from the blacksmith's forge, take part in one-room school lessons, and find your ancestor's name in our archives.  

This 60-acre interpretive museum of local history features a Welcome Center with local history exhibits and research services and the outdoor Pinecrest Historical Village - a collection of over 25 historic buildings with period furnishings from Manitowoc County's early settlers.

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Village Fair: Featuring Buffalo Bill Wild West Show
Aug
12
to Aug 13

Village Fair: Featuring Buffalo Bill Wild West Show

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Saturday, August 12 - 11 am to 4 pm

Sunday, August 13 - 11 am to 3 pm

Spend the day with residents of Pinecrest Village as they celebrate their village fair, circa 1900! From contests to games of chance and more - join in the festivities! A Village Parade will take place at 12:15 each day.

As a bonus - the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show is in town to join the excitement and guests can experience a page right out of the Wild West & Wisconsin history. Tour camp. Meet the legends. Enjoy entertainment for the whole family. Marvel at the Arena Extravaganza each day at 1:00 PM featuring many of the daring exploits originally presented more than a century ago.

Welcome the Wagon Train at 2 pm on Saturday.

Food and beverages are available with Brian’s Smokehouse, Manitowoc.

Activities throughout the Day:
Old West Portraits by Brian Leach - Choose from a selection of costumes and pose for the photographer!
Pinecrest Mayoral race - vote for your favorite
Barbershop demo
Annie Oakley Shooting Gallery
Hand Turned Sewing Machine Demo at the Dress Shop
Become a bounty hunter for your favorite western characters
Check out Buffalo Bill and Wild West Show Memorabilia - and Nate Salsbury Memorabilia!

General admission: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for youth 4-17, children under 4 years of age are free. General Admission is always free for members! You can purchase your tickets when you arrive or pre-purchase your admission tickets.

Reserve your general admission tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!

The Village Fair is made possible by A.C.E. Building Service, TDS Telecom (Manitowoc/Sheboygan), Terp Family Insurance, Skana Aluminum Company, Cornell Communications, Jim Reif Builders Inc., Edward Jones - Financial Advisor, Paul Leal, Boettcher’s Grassfed Beef, Responsory, and Seehafer Broadcasting.

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Share the Museum
Aug
2
to Aug 31

Share the Museum

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Share the Museum Days are just one of the many perks of being a Manitowoc County Historical Society Member. Throughout the month of August, Members can show their friends and family just how special our museum is by bringing two guests for FREE to experience the stories of our past, and all of the fun programming that comes along with it!

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Babbitt Bearing Pouring Workshop
Jul
8
9:00 AM09:00

Babbitt Bearing Pouring Workshop

Vintage machinery requires care and maintenance to keep them running. Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club volunteers lead this workshop at the Krueger Sawmill to pour new bearings in the planer there. Participants will learn the basics of repouring babbitt – a process that can be applied to their own vintage machinery.

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Kids Free Thursdays in July
Jul
6
to Jul 27

Kids Free Thursdays in July

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Manitowoc County Historical Society will offer free general admission to kids under the age of 17 on Thursdays in the month of July, from 10 am to 4 pm. There is a limit of 3 free children with one paid adult admission.

General admission: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, free for youth 4-17 on Thursdays in July, children under 4 years of age are free. General Admission is always free for members! You can purchase your tickets when you arrive or pre-purchase your admission tickets.

Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online for Kids Free Thursdays!

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Member Swap Weekend
May
19
to May 21

Member Swap Weekend

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Friday, May 19 2023
Saturday, May 20 2023
Sunday, May 21 2023

*Please check the open hours for each individual organization.

Member Swap Weekend gives you access to participating local museums. Explore museums across Manitowoc County with family, friends, or anyone covered by your membership. Hours vary by museum.

To visit, show your Manitowoc County Historical Society membership card for walk-up admission at the participating museums. Number admitted free depends on your membership level.

Members of participating museums also receive free admission to the Manitowoc County Historical Society on Member Swap Weekend. 

Participating museums include:

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum

Rahr West Art Museum

Wisconsin Maritime Museum


Not a Manitowoc County Historical Society member yet? Join today! 

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MCLS Library Card Free Day
May
13
10:00 AM10:00

MCLS Library Card Free Day

  • Manitowoc County Historical Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the Manitowoc-Calumet Library System for a free day at the Manitowoc County Historical Society. Guests can show their MCLS library card to tour the museum at no cost.

A story time will be presented at 11 am and 2 pm in the museum's one room schoolhouse, Shadyside School. A variety of make-and-take activities will also be available for youth inside Shadyside School. 

Click HERE to learn more about the Manitowoc Public Library.

Click HERE to learn more about the Lester Public Library

Click HERE to learn more about Brillion Public Library

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