Highlights Archives
Attendance Up at Wisconsin's Historic Sites
Midway through the Historical Society's historic sites season, it is apparent that the demand to experience Wisconsin history is on the rise. Total attendance is up 11.5 percent across the entire statewide network of 10 historic sites compared to the same time in 2006. The largest of the historic sites, Old World Wisconsin, shows overall attendance and earned revenue increases of more than 8 percent so far in 2007. With more than 30 events throughout the season, extending into December, Old World Wisconsin provides unique experiences for all visitors. A new event this year, a World War I reenactment, was one of the most popular to date.
At Circus World, first-year Site Director Steve Freese and his staff have seen continued interest from the public in the spectacle provided by the acrobats of Circus China. Lots of other acts have entertained the young and old alike, including the ever-popular Elephant Encounters, clown and magic acts, and the KidsWorld Circus, where the kids are the stars of the show. Total attendance at Circus World is up 18 percent, and earned revenues are up 6.7 percent. Circus World is setting the stage for an exciting finish to the performance season, with the first-ever Magnificent Motorcar Exhibition on August 11.
The vintage base ball team (it was spelled as two words in the 1860s) at Wade House is in the midst of its first full season, and the players already have four games under their belts. Their games (the next one is on August 19) have helped bring in visitors interested in seeing how the game was played in its infancy, and hopes are high for good crowds during the annual Wade House Civil War Weekend on September 29 and 30 — one of the largest Civil War encampments and battle reenactments in the Midwest.
Activity at the Villa Louis is still abuzz after this season's War of 1812 encampment and battle reenactment. Attendance at this year's event was up more than 30 percent, helping to fuel a 5.4 percent increase in total attendance to date. The staff is now in the midst of planning the annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic, a big hit with horse lovers, on September 8-9.
H.H. Bennett Studio has enjoyed a good season as well. Total attendance at the restored historic photography studio is up 13.4 percent.
"While it is difficult to pinpoint reasons why the historic sites are experiencing stronger attendance this year than last, I think a variety of internal and external factors are probably at play," said Alicia Goehring, who administers the Historical Society's historic sites program. "We've enjoyed mostly good weather, we've concentrated more on marketing our sites, we've made significant improvements in our gift stores, added some new and unique special events, and we had great spring school tour turnout — attendance was up more than 5 percent from the year before," she said.
All told, nine of the 10 historic sites have seen increases in either one form of attendance or earned revenue. From nearly 19 percent revenue gains at Madeline Island Museum to total attendance increases of 17 percent at Pendarvis, Wisconsin's historic sites appear poised to have a tremendous season.
:: Posted July 25, 2007
|
