“Add to the Archives” Focuses on WWII

German POWs working in a Door County orchard.

The Door County Historical Museum, in conjunction with the Door County Archives, hosts the final “Add to the Archives” on Sept. 15. This day will focus on collecting information about Door County during World War II. The public is encouraged to bring documents, photographs, stories, artifacts or even memories related to life during the war.

Door County folks made many contributions to the war effort, including saving milkweed pods for life jacket and bomber jacket stuffing, holding scrap paper and metal drives, and planting “Victory Gardens.” The workforce shortage caused by Door County soldiers leaving to fight in the war was partially supplemented by German POWs or PWs (Prisoners of War) who helped in orchards and potato fields.

The museum will display WWII materials that have already been gathered.

The collected information will be shared with the Door County Archives for future generations to accurately understand that period in Door County’s history. Photographs or other documents can be scanned and returned if desired.

To share, call 920.743.5809 or visit the museum, open daily 10 am – 4:30 pm, at 18 North 4th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay.