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Category: History

Door County is rich in history, from its most prominent founding citizens to the business leaders who embraced tourism to make it the destination it is today. It’s a history of orchards, farming, and fishermen, but also of potters, artists, and writers. But more than anything, it’s a history told in the lives of the remarkable people who’ve called it home for a spell or a lifetime. Door County Pulse tells them all.

  • Baileys Harbor Historical Society Hosts Pioneer Presentation

    The next Baileys Harbor Historical Society event will be the presentation “Otto and Hedwig Peil, a Pioneer Story.” Lynn Mattke will share the story of her German immigrant grandparents’ struggles and successes in early Baileys Harbor. The meeting is at 7 pm on July 20 at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall at 2392 County Road […]

  • Comedic Nuns, Ben Folds & More Weekend Plans

    This weekend has plenty to offer in events both in and out of doors. Become a kayaking expert, bust a gut at Rogue Theater, or bring home the win at the Belgian Days volleyball tournament.   Friday, July 8 Rutabaga Door County Sea Kayak Symposium Paddlers of all skill levels are welcome to participate in […]

  • Door County History in Pictures: 1940s Marching Band

    A marching band in downtown Sturgeon Bay, circa the 1940s according to the cars. Photo courtesy of the Door County Historical Museum, 18 North 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay. Open 10 am – 4:30 pm daily, May 1 through Oct. 31.

  • How Sister Bay Got Its Name

    There is a little feature you see on a satellite map of the waters just off Sister Bay that looks like a pair of lonely eyebrows. Those are the Sister Islands, a generous name for a pair of rock outcroppings that are recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as an important gull and […]

  • Björklunden Offers Three New Seminars

    From July 17 – July 22, Lawrence University’s Björklunden is offering these seminars: “Winston Churchill: The War Years, 1939-45” with Tim Crain, “Worlds Gone Bad: Modern Dystopias and Their Ancient Roots” with Goeff Bakewell, and “East and West: Renaissance and Islamic Art in Dialogue” with Ben Tilghman and Ryan E. Gregg. Winston Churchill has a […]

  • Midsummer’s Music Festival Hosts “Downton Abbey” Period Concerts

    Midsummer’s Music Festival is bringing music of the Downton Abbey period to three concerts that feature three English composers from the turn of the 20th Century. The pieces are ones that may have been played in places like Highclere Castle, the setting of the Downton Abbey PBS series. The following music will be played: Fantasy […]

  • Jacksonport Historical Society Hosts Presentation on Hein Family

    Join the Jacksonport Historical Society on June 22 at 7 pm at the Jacksonport Town Hall for a presentation by Marilyn (Hein) Jome titled “The Hein Family – Deep Roots in Door County.” Jome, daughter of Stanley and Marie (Erskine) Hein, grew up in Sturgeon Bay. She was invited to go on a hike on […]

  • Door County History in Photos: Haymaking

    Haymaking the old-fashioned way in this undated photo from the Door County Historical Museum, 18 North 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay. Hours are 10 am – 4:30 pm daily May 1 – Oct. 31.

  • Peninsula Century Spring Classic, Beer Fest & More Weekend Plans

    This weekend offers chances to get active and enjoy the county’s natural beauty. Hike through the woods by Clark Lake, hop on your bike, or walk through the peninsula’s storied past. Friday, June 17 Ephraim Heritage Day See into Ephraim’s past with free walking tours and free admission into Ephraim’s cultural sites, including Bethany Lutheran […]

  • Sister Bay Moravians Mark 120th Anniversary

    Those 45 Moravians who put together the money in 1896 to purchase a log cabin, formerly owned by a Free Baptist congregation, would be amazed to see the beautiful facility their descendants worship in today. As they celebrate their 120th anniversary, members of the Sister Bay Moravian Church are proud of continuing the traditions their […]

  • Steel Bridge Songfest, Pork Fest & More Weekend Plans

    This weekend there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the various elements that make Door County so special. Explore historic lighthouses, interact with artists, and get up close and personal with the peninsula’s diverse flora and fauna. Friday, June 10 Steel Bridge Songfest Kick off the summer music fest scene with the 12th annual […]

  • The History of Holy Matrimony at the Noble House

    The Alexander Noble House in Fish Creek is ushering in its season with something old, something new, a few things borrowed and a few things blue as it celebrates wedding gowns, traditions and customs through its returning exhibit, “Victorian Weddings.” Like last year’s “A House In Mourning” Victorian funeral display, “Victorian Weddings” has transformed the […]

  • Wisconsin 101: Our History in Objects

      Consider the stories a bowling pin from Antigo’s Vulcan Corporation might have to tell. While the average person might think in terms of the confines of a single bowling alley, another might consider its role in Wisconsin’s lumber industry, Milwaukee’s former title as “The Bowling Capital of America,” and Japan’s mid-20th century bowling boom. […]

  • Run, Recite And Remember This Memorial Day Weekend

    This busy weekend offers opportunities to explore and learn about the artists, history, and natural beauty that make Door County unique. Friday, May 27 Poetry Slam The 6th grade students at Gibraltar Schools have put together an afternoon of poetry and friendly competition. Matt Burress will perform live music for the event. Admission is five […]

  • Learn about Door County Barn Quilts at Jacksonport Historical Society Meeting

    Barn quilts have become one of the many attractions in Door County. How and why did they get started? Do they have a meaning? Where are they? These are just a few of the questions that will be covered at the Jacksonport Historical Society’s (JHS) presentation on May 25 at 7 pm at the Jacksonport […]

  • UWGB Archivist to Speak at Peninsula Genealogical Society Meeting

    The Peninsula Genealogical Society will host a guest speaker, Debra Anderson, from the  University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Area Research Center. Anderson is the coordinator of the Archives and Special Collections at the center and in the past has won the governor’s award for Archival Advocacy. Anderson will discuss the collections that the Area Research Center houses for […]

  • Camp Meenahga Topic of Next Historical Society Dinner Meeting

    The Door County Historical Society will host its monthly dinner meeting and program on Camp Meenahga 1916-1948, the private girls’ camp located in Peninsula State Park, on May 23. The program will feature Kathleen Harris as Mrs. Clark, founding camp director. The dinner begins at 6 pm at Mr. G’s Logan Creek Grille in Sturgeon […]

  • Door County Historical Museum Opens for 2016 Season

    The Door County Historical Museum invites the public to walk the streets of early 19th century Door County, try their hand at sorting mail in a vintage post office, or get a rare up-close view of the peninsula’s wildlife during its 77th season in Sturgeon Bay. This season will be a particularly exciting one as […]

  • Washington Island vs. Beaver Island

    The island off the northern tip of the Door Peninsula was still in its infancy as a community 160 years ago. Small pockets of fishermen were just settling into the area, usually as squatters on land held by absentee owners, and lumbering was just beginning in earnest as steamers became regular features on the Great […]

  • Door County Bookmobile Update On Agenda for Heritage Alliance Meeting

    The Heritage Alliance of Door County invites the community to a spring gathering at Baileys Harbor Town Hall on April 30, 10 am – noon. All history enthusiasts are invited. Coffee, juice, and sweet rolls will be provided. On the agenda is review of 2015 and plans for 2016; a presentation by the Egg Harbor […]