DCMM Offers Free Admission to Children in February

Photo by Cheri Hargis.

Every Sunday in February, the Door County Maritime Museum (DCMM) in Sturgeon Bay will offer free admission to children 12 and younger with an accompanying paid adult. The museum hopes to encourage more children to take interest in the importance of local maritime history.

“In order to understand what history is, this is a precious opportunity to spend time outside the classroom teaching children their local history,” said Amy Paul, museum executive director. “It encourages them to experience history firsthand and learn why it is important to all of us. It is a pleasure to offer this chance for families to learn and play together.”

Kids can take their turn steering the Elba through the Sturgeon Bay Canal with the use of the interactive simulator. The Elba pilothouse is the actual bridge from the 420-foot steam freighter located in the Horton Gallery. Seven video screens fill the windows and simulate a real-time experience while visitors pilot their way through fog, clouds and bridges. The wheelhouse’s audio environment will include Kahlenberg engine sounds and on-board radio traffic to give the impression that the “captain” is actually navigating a ship.

Several interactive games are located throughout the museum, encouraging a hands-on learning experience for children. The Sentinels of the Shore exhibit allows them to get up close and personal with a full-size replica of the Door County Sherwood Point Lighthouse lantern.

The Door County Maritime Museum is located at 120 N. Madison St., Sturgeon Bay. It is open seven days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. Museum admission is $10 for adults. Call 920.743.5958 or visit dcmm.org for more information.