For more information contact: Lisa Marshall, Wisconsin Department of Tourism, 800-236-7529
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOP 2008 SPECIAL EVENTS AT WISCONSIN HISTORIC SITES
May - December 2008
MADISON, Wis. (May 14, 2008) – Blackberries. TiVo. iPhones. iPods. Life moves fast these days, and in a seemingly foreign language. It’s not uncommon to crave a taste of a simpler, gentler time. Thankfully, Wisconsin’s 10 historic sites provide the perfect tonic to a frazzled, time-crunched, modern reality. Experiencing these sites and events remind us of the shared history – as well as the individual circumstances – our ancestors encountered as they settled The New World.
The state’s historic sites offer authentic experiences, unique programming and interactive learning opportunities year-round. The list below highlights some of the top events for the remainder of 2008 including Visitor Appreciation Weekend on June 8.
Circus Heritage Weekend (Opening Weekend) – Circus World Museum, Baraboo
May 17- 18
2008 marks the 50th season of live performances at the Circus World Museum. The historical site, which opened in 1959, has been home to the most memorable circus performances in Wisconsin. On Saturday and Sunday, banquet festivities are scheduled for all-day fun including a special memorial event at the Circus Wall in downtown Baraboo.
Rituals of Spring – Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
May 17
Springtime is when the sheep at Old World Wisconsin get their annual clipping with hand shears. Come out and watch old-fashioned springtime activities. And you won't want to miss our annual heirloom plant sale in the Artisans' Market.
Historic Trades Weekend – Wade House, Greenbush
May 31-June 1
Join the villagers of Greenbush as they celebrate the trades that have shaped this 160-year-old community. Local craftsmen display their diverse woodworking talents from wheelwrighting to sawing lumber with a horse-powered drag-saw. Special activities include behind-the-scenes tours of the Herrling sawmill (with its up-and-down muley saw), blacksmithing demonstrations, log skidding and more.
Visitor Appreciation Day at Wisconsin Historic Sites – Statewide June 8
Wisconsin history comes to life as historic sites throughout the state (Circus World Museum excluded) open their doors for a special day of discounted family fun. Stroll through the villages and farms of Old World Wisconsin, travel back to 1860s Wisconsin at the Wade House, visit the Victorian-era hallways of Villa Louis and much more. Children under the age of five are free.
Base Ball History Day – Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
June 14
Watch an old-fashioned game of Base Ball (yes, it was originally two words!) as Old World Wisconsin's 1860s vintage team, the Eagle Diamonds, faces off against the Milwaukee Cream Citys Club. Have a hotdog and root for your favorite team!
1860s Base Ball Game – Wade House, Green Bush
June 15
Come cheer on the Greenbush Dead Citys vintage base ball team as it defends its home turf against another vintage team, playing by 1860s rules. Food will be available at the site before the game begins at 1:30 p.m. Visitors can also test their 19th-century base ball skills. The site is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the 1:30 p.m. game is included in the admission price.
Madeline Island Museum 50th Anniversary Celebration – Madeline Island Museum, La Pointe
June 22
The museum will celebrate the last 50 years of island history on the anniversary of the museum's founding in 1958. A special anniversary exhibit will debut following a re-dedication ceremony.
Circus of Chefs: The Gala 2008 – Circus World Museum, Baraboo
June 29
Some 30 chefs from the finest restaurants in the Madison, Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells areas will create signature dishes for tasting, while vintners and brew masters supply a selection of beverages to sample. Silent auction packages feature fine art, jewelry, vacation packages and priceless photographic prints from the Wisconsin Historical Society's collections. A spirited live auction features one-of-a-kind specialty items and packages. The evening will feature live jazz music, a martini bar and an amazing circus performance featuring the best of the big top.
World War I Experience – Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
July 12-13
Experience life in a World War I army camp, including meal preparations, equipment inspections, medical examinations and weapons instruction. See the real uniform of a World War I soldier.
War of 1812 in Wisconsin – Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
July 19-20
Witness a historic encampment and battle re-enactment at Wisconsin's only War of 1812 battlefield — now the lawn of the Villa Louis. Learn firsthand about the July 1814 British assault on Fort Shelby in a battle scenario each afternoon and tour the camps to learn about military life in 1814.
Connecting Cultures: Exploring the Lake Superior Fur Trade – Madeline Island Museum, La Pointe
July 25-27
Educators, living history re-enactors and fur trade experts demonstrate the lifeways of the 18th century fur trade. Visitors will find themselves engaged in a variety of activities ranging from flint knapping and glass-bead making to open-fire cooking and traditional games.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Days – Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
July 26-27
The pages of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "On the Banks of Plum Creek" are brought to life in this celebration of the author’s book. Dress like her, try her games and chores and help do Ma's kitchen jobs or Pa's threshing. New this year: all kinds of animal, people and steam-powered vintage machines at work.
Magnificent Motor Car Exhibition – Circus World Museum, Baraboo
August 9
More than 100 automobiles from 1890-1940 will be shown and judged. The event includes special demonstrations showing how a Ford Model T can be completely disassembled and rebuilt in less than an hour. The Model T demonstrations will take place twice in the circus ring of the Hippodrome building.
Old World County Fair – Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
August 16
Join in the re-creation of an 1860s county fair, with livestock judging, music, heirloom produce and flower displays, children's games and plenty of food.
Railroad Days – Stonefield, Cassville
August 16-17
All aboard for a trip back in time to Stonefield and an era when trains provided the main source of transportation for both people and goods. The day will feature activities and displays related to railroading, with several southwest Wisconsin railroad museums and heritage organizations participating in the event. Visit the Stonefield depot, hop up into the Stonefield caboose, view model railroading trains and stop by the "End of the Line" hobo camp, where samples of mulligan stew will be available.
Villa Louis Carriage Classic – Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
September 6-7
In one of the Midwest's largest and most stylish equine festivals, magnificent horses, elegantly restored carriages and meticulously dressed drivers meet for a weekend of competitive arena and cross-country sport driving.
Wo-Zha-Wa Festival and Parade – H.H. Bennett Studio, Wisconsin Dells
September 12-14
All of downtown Wisconsin Dells including the H.H. Bennett Studio marks the end of the summer tourism season with this huge festival named for the Ho-Chunk phrase meaning "to have fun." Carnival rides, food stands, sidewalk sales, an arts, antiques and crafts fair, and other festivities culminate with the Wo-Zha-Wa Parade, one of Wisconsin's largest, on Sunday afternoon.
Cornish Festival Pub Night – Pendarvis, Mineral Point
September 26
The quaint Kiddleywink Pub in the rowhouse at Pendarvis offers a special evening with live music, a cash bar and a variety of pub games. This event is a fundraiser for the Pendarvis Memorial Endowment Trust and coincides with Mineral Point's citywide Cornish Festival.
18th Annual Civil War Weekend – Wade House, Green Bush
September 27-28
In what has become the biggest and best Civil War re-enactment in Wisconsin, Confederate and Union armies set-up camp on the sprawling, wooded grounds of Wade House. Visitors meet and mingle with the troops as well as civilian sutlers, merchants who follow troop movements to sell Civil War-era merchandise. Each day, two battle scenarios will unfold. The historic battle scenarios feature cavalry, infantry and artillery duels between Union and Confederate troops, always a crowd pleaser at every Civil War Weekend.
Autumn on the Farms – Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
Oct. 10-11 and 18-19
Costumed interpreters escort visitors back to the 19th century demonstrating the annual ritual of the autumn harvest and preparation for the arrival of winter just as our ancestors did long ago.
An 1890s Christmas Holiday –Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
December 6-7 and 13-14
Visitors experience three faces of the holiday season: preparing for a visit from St. Nicholas, Christmas day in the morning, and a New Year open house.
For more information about Wisconsin’s state historic sites, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org or call 608/264-6586. For free Wisconsin travel information and travel-planning guides, including the 2008 Wisconsin Spring/Summer Event Guide or the Wisconsin Activity Guide, visit www.travelwisconsin.com or call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's toll-free number at 1-800-432-TRIP/8747. Travelers can also obtain guides and information at the Wisconsin Welcome Centers, located in select state-border cities.
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