Highlights Archives
A Banner Season at Wisconsin's Historic Sites
As the end of the 2007 season approaches for the Society's historic sites, it is apparent that the demand to experience Wisconsin history is on the rise. Across the entire statewide network of 10 historic sites, total attendance is up 12 percent compared to the same time in 2006 while earned revenue is up more than 7 percent. The largest of the historic sites, Old World Wisconsin, shows overall attendance and earned revenue increases of 3 percent and 9 percent, respectively. With more than 30 events throughout the season, extending into December, Old World Wisconsin provides unique experiences for all visitors. This year's new events, a World War I re-enactment and an Old World County Fair, were two of the most popular events of the season.
Circus World saw an increase in attendance of more than 15 percent due in large part to the final season of the acrobats of Circus China. Lots of other acts entertained young and old alike including the ever-popular Elephant Encounters, clown and magic acts, and the KidsWorld Circus, where kids were the stars of the show. Circus World staff are already setting the stage for exciting new acts for the 2008 performance season and planning the third annual Circus of Chefs Gala, scheduled to take place on June 29.
The 2007 season at Wade House saw the largest attendance increase of all the sites at nearly 21 percent. This year's Civil War Weekend during the last weekend of September was one of the most successful in the event's 17-year history. More than 8,200 visitors and re-enactors experienced the hard-fought battles that encountered the Union soldiers on their way to the conquest of Vicksburg. A highlight of this year's event was the presence of President Abraham Lincoln and the speeches he used to rally the troops. Wade House will conclude its 2007 season on December 8 and 9 with a holiday celebration during the site's Wade House Christmas.
Activity at the Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien is still abuzz while the staff awaits the influx of visitors who annually celebrate the holidays at the Victorian estate during one of the many tours included at the 1890s Christmas Celebration the first two weekends in December. During its regular season, Villa Louis enjoyed a 5-percent jump in attendance.
Reed School, Wisconsin's newest historic site has seen almost a nonstop flow of visitors since its grand opening and dedication on June 10. It was open to the public for guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends through September and will reopen for school tours in the spring.
Madeline Island Museum has seen attendance increase almost 11 percent and revenues increase 19 percent as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2008. Attendance increases at H.H. Bennett Studio in Wisconsin Dells (20 percent), Pendarvis in Mineral Point (13 percent), Stonefield in Cassville (9 percent), and First Capitol in Belmont (17 percent) help convey the fact that Wisconsin's historic sites have had a tremendous 2007 season.
"To see such positive numbers this year is very exciting," said Alicia Goehring, who administers the Society's Division of Historic Sites, "particularly in the midst of declines at historic sites nationwide. We fully intend to keep trying new ways to make enjoying history through visiting historic sites something that more and more people will want to experience in the future."
The Wisconsin Historical Society wants our visitors to experience as many of our sites as possible in 2008 by offering a season-long pass — Passport 2008. The Passports will be available for individuals and families and can be purchased online or by phone through the H.H. Bennett Studio at 608-253-3523.
:: Posted November 26, 2007
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