2012 Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy Winner Announced

The historic Taylor House serves as a house museum for the Sheboygan County Historical Society.

Sheboygan County Historical Society Wins Highest Award for Local History

The Sheboygan County Historical Society was awarded the 2012 Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy, the highest award for achievements in the field of local history, by the Wisconsin Historical Society.

It earned the award for its longstanding work in preserving the heritage of Sheboygan County. From its headquarters in Sheboygan, the local historical society has been serving the Sheboygan County community since 1923, the same year it became an affiliate of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

About the Award

Named for the Wisconsin Historical Society's second director, the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy recognizes one local historical society each year that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a record of success in collecting and preserving local history in its various forms.

About Sheboygan County Historical Society's Achievements

The Sheboygan County Historical Society has nearly 600 members, as many as 400 volunteers and operates a museum that attracts more than 11,000 visitors annually. The museum complex includes: a stately brick building reflecting the era of 1850-1900; the 1864 Weinhold Family Homestead; the 1890s Schuchardt Barn with rural agricultural displays; and the 1867 Bodenstab Cheese Factory with early commercial cheese making implements.

A recent addition of 20,000 square feet to the museum features seasonal displays, temporary exhibits, a classroom and the museum store. Changing exhibits include Indian history, ice harvesting, maritime, circus, local sports as well as medical, early agricultural and related trades.

The local historical society also maintains several ambitious educational programs that includes the full-day student education program, considered by many professional educators as a model for other museums and historical societies throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

The panel of judges from the Wisconsin Historical Society recommended the local historical society receive the award. The Wisconsin Historical Society Board of Curators' Awards Committee approved the 2012 Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History.

View previous winners of the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy.