Highlights Archives
Wisconsin's Historic Sites Swing Into Spring
Much as it did for 19th-century Wisconsin farmers, the arrival of spring brings with it a host of new activities for Wisconsin's historic sites. From autumn through winter, the history professionals whose job it is to reinvent the way the historic sites tell the stories of Wisconsin's explorers, immigrants and pioneers spend that time fine tuning those messages with new historical themes and planning an ambitious series of more than 50 special events.
Several of the sites have already begun their 2007 seasons — Old World Wisconsin, Wade House, Villa Louis, H.H. Bennett Studio and Pendarvis. Several others will open their doors in coming days or weeks — Circus World, Madeline Island Museum, Stonefield, First Capitol and, the Historical Society's newest site, Reed School.
Several brand new events will give history fans something new and different to cheer about. Wade House will present a series of five 1860s Base Ball Games played according to authentic 1860s rules (which is why we spell the name of America's pastime as two words, just as was done back then). The historic re-creation of the home-grown American sport continues at Old World Wisconsin, too, with a special evening Base Ball Barbecue on June 8 and Base Ball History Day on June 16.
For history enthusiasts and early risers who like to experience history firsthand, Old World Wisconsin will present a series of five daybreak special events called Rousing with the Roosters that will put participants to work doing authentic, 19th-century farm and animal chores, gardening and harvesting crops, but will reward them with a hearty breakfast they help prepare. Then they will have the rest of the day to tour the site's 10 ethnic farmsteads and 1870s crossroads village.
Circus World will kick of its 2007 season with opening weekend festivities Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, that include a rollicking daily entertainment lineup plus a Circus Model Builders Show and the 20th annual AMCORE Bank Faire on the Square on Saturday. Other brand new and returning events lined up this season include the new Great Circus Parade of Fashions on June 9, Circus of Chefs ... The Gala 2007 on June 24, and a Magnificent Motorcar Exhibition on August 11.
For a complete look at all Wisconsin's historic sites have to offer in the way of fun, educational and family friendly entertainment all season long, visit their home page and mark your calendar for new and favorite classic special events like Rituals of Spring at Old World Wisconsin, Historic Trades Weekend at Wade House, and the War of 1812 in Wisconsin at Villa Louis.
:: Posted May 16, 2007
|
