Old World Wisconsin: A must-see historical haven
Just 35 miles west of Milwaukee’s modern metropolis is a historical haven that brings the past to life. Old World Wisconsin includes more than 200 years of American history with 19th century farms, villages, buildings and artifacts all waiting to be explored.
The massive museum, the world's largest dedicated to the history of rural life, includes more than 60 historic structures from throughout Wisconsin. Farmsteads to outbuildings, stores to churches, each was removed from its original location and rebuilt on rolling prairies, reconstructed with period furnishings.
Opened to the public in 1976, Old World Wisconsin attracts thousands of visitors eager to take a walk back through time. Guests can explore the Crossroads Village, portraying an 1870’s Wisconsin settlement. A docent demonstrates metal techniques in the 1886 blacksmith shop, the 1876 Thomas General Store is well-stocked, and the 1882 Sisel Shoe Shop contains real period square-toe leather shoes, nails and all.
A tram running throughout the museum grounds transports visitors to the German area, an agricultural community complete with a half-timber 1880 farmhouse, an 1875 log and fieldstone barn, and even livestock and animal residents who call the farm home.
At every stop in this historical wonder is a knowledgeable employee in period dress eager to describe the residents and history of the site. Each paints a colorful portrait of life in the 19th century, of hardscrabble times and close-knit communities and families working the land for survival.
Visitors can walk the lovely grounds to the Polish Area’s Kruza House, an 1884 stovewood and mortar structure. The Finnish Area contains the log Ketola Farm from 1915, the Danish Area has the 1890 Pedersen Farm dedicated by the Queen of Denmark, and the Norwegian Area’s one-room school taught local children until 1914.
Special events throughout the year include autumn harvest celebrations, Halloween events, Christmas festivities, bird walks, live music and holiday dinners. A full calendar of upcoming events can be found at http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/Events/Calendar/All.aspx.
Visitors old and young alike will thrill in the magic of Old World Wisconsin; It’s a museum that not only exhibits history, it brings it to life. It’s a top-notch, not-to-be-missed attraction for visitors near and far.
- by D.J. Siegel, Milwaukee Reporter for HelloMetro
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