Local Historical Societies Honor “America at 250” Semiquincentennial with Week-long Schedule of Special Programs by Local Historical Societies
Door County, Wis. (June 9, 2026) – For the fifth consecutive year, dozens of cultural and historical institutions throughout Door County have come together for Door County History Days, a weeklong celebration of history and heritage on the Door Peninsula. From Monday, June 15 to Sunday, June 21, 20-plus nonprofit organizations that belong to the Heritage Alliance of Door County (HADC) will each host special programs that celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, marking the Semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From Brussels in the far southern area of the county to Rock Island State Park in the far northern portion of the county, history will be on display in unique ways for Door County visitors and residents to experience, enjoy and learn.
The Door County Historical Society will host a kick-off event for the 2026 Door County History Days on Monday, June 15, 10:00 a.m. at Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay. Local residents and visitors are invited to attend the free event and discover the many ways Door County’s rich history is currently being preserved and shared, and discover the impact of the startling events of 1776 on American history.
Supported by the Heritage Alliance of Door County, Door County History Days is a weeklong celebration of the Peninsula’s rich heritage, showcasing the many organizations that work year-round to preserve, interpret, and share the stories that have ultimately shaped our communities. This year’s theme, America at 250, explores the ways the Declaration of Independence influenced the development of Door County — from past to present. Throughout the week of June 15-21, historical societies, museums, cultural organizations, and heritage sites across the county will host special programs, exhibits, tours, and events.
The 2026 History Days kick-off event will begin in the Collins Learning Center with a special presentation exploring the importance of preserving Door County’s unique history and heritage. Guests will also learn about the many History Days programs taking place throughout the week.
Following the presentation, attendees are invited to explore Heritage Village, where representatives from historical and cultural organizations throughout Door County will host info tables and share opportunities to experience local history firsthand. Visitors can also tour the Village’s historic buildings, watch demonstrations at the Blacksmith Shop, try their hand at historic tools in the Madden Tool Museum, and enjoy refreshments.
“History Days is a wonderful opportunity to discover the remarkable organizations that continue to preserve Door County’s heritage,” said Amy Frank, executive director of the Door County Historical Society. “Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there is something for everyone. The kick-off event is the perfect place to begin a week of exploration, learning, and appreciation for the people, places, and stories that make Door County special.”
All attendees will receive information about History Days events taking place throughout the week, making it easy to plan a personalized journey through Door County’s past.
The Heritage Alliance of Door County exists to strengthen and enhance local heritage organizations, promote collaboration, and raise public awareness of the important role historic preservation plays in the culture and economy of Door County.
For more information and a complete schedule of History Days events, visit: https://www.facebook.com/heritageallianceofdoorcounty.
DOOR COUNTY HISTORY DAYS EVENTS
Monday, June 15
History Days Kick Off Event, 10:00 – noon, Heritage Village, Sturgeon Bay.
Membership Meeting and Program: “Losing the Dark: How do We Protect our Dark Skies” with Newport State Park Naturalist Beth Bartoli, 7PM. Free and open to the public. Plenty of parking available. The program will follow a brief Membership Meeting. Museum Barn: 11831 State Highway 42, Ellison Bay.
Tuesday, June 16
Patriots, Pioneers and Progeny with the the Jean Nicolet Chapter of the DAR, 2pm, Door County Library, Sturgeon Bay.
Desottle and Wolter’s “They All Had Names” Civil War Musical, Beer and Wine for sale, 7pm, Door County Granary, 72 E Locust Ct, Sturgeon Bay.
Community Conversations America@250 – The American Revolution (Our American Story), 6:00-8:30pm, Crossroads at Big Creek, Sturgeon Bay.
Death’s Door Lighthouse Cruise with stop on Plum Island, 10:00 and 1:00, Board THE SHORELINE at Gills Rock.
Preview of new Sister Bay Historical Society exhibit: “Sister Bay’s Cottage Industry — A Special Era of Tourism,” 1-3pm. Free tours all day. See a Sister Bay Stories program about the new exhibit on Tuesday, June 23, 7 pm at the Koessl Barn, Corner of the Past Museum, 10310 Fieldcrest Rd, Sister Bay.
Wednesday, June 17
Descendants of American Revolution Patriots of Baileys Harbor & Door County, 7-8pm, Baileys Harbor Historical Society.
Thursday, June 18
History book discussion with John Harris: “His Excellency George Washington” by Joseph Ellis, 2pm, Door County Library Sturgeon Bay.
Annual Lake-to-Table Fish Boil, 4-8PM.Join us in the barn for a traditional Fish Boil with all the trimmings. Contact Stef 920-839-5022, 9-5 CT, M-F, to make your reservation for one of four seatings. Museum Barn: 11831 State Highway 42, Ellison Bay.
Author Talk with Jamie Kay Palmer’s “Into the Storm” Doors open for coffee and cookies at 10AM, talk begins at 10:30 AM, Door County Granary, 72 E Locust Ct, Sturgeon Bay.
History of the Belgian Settlement Area Between 1776-1900, how local history was intertwined with state and national events, 1:00pm, Belgian Heritage Center, 1255 County Road DK, Brussels.
Community Conversations America@250 – The American Revolution (Spirit of Service), 6-8:30pm, Crossroads at Big Creek, Sturgeon Bay.
Hands-on History Walk at Heritage Village, View a special America@250 display in the school house, taste honey samples, and learn about old tools. 11:30am – 12:30pm, Heritage Village, Sturgeon Bay.
Friday, June 19
Adventure Island: A Unique Perspective on Freedom. Join Brennan Christianson, Collections Coordinator of the Door County Maritime Museum as he looks into the history of the Adventure Island Boys Camp that operated from the early 1920s until the early 1950s. Come learn about Charles “Skipper” Kinney, founder of the camp, and his unique perspective on freedom, learning, and fun. 10:00-11:00 am, Door County Historical Museum, Sturgeon Bay.
Saturday, June 20
2026 Season Opening, 10AM-4PM: The Century Farmhouse will feature “An Exhibit Celebrating 250 Years of Independence” All historic buildings are open with docents present to share the unique stories of Liberty Grove. As always, the grounds are open to the public from dawn to dusk throughout the year. 10am – 4pm, Museum Barn: 11831 State Highway 42, Ellison Bay.
“Sugar on the Floor” of the Door County Folk Alliance, 2-4PM. “Barn Dances” are descendants of traditional dances originating in the British Isles and brought to North America by early settlers. In colonial times, itinerant “dance masters” taught dances from village to village, and community folk gathered regularly to enjoy the music and dancing. Join us for this special event. Free and open to the public. Museum Grounds: 11831 State Highway 42, Ellison Bay.
Patriotic Pies: Take your taste buds on a journey through the history of pie. Enjoy samples and share stories. Bring copies of your family pie recipes to share! 11:30am – 12:30pm, Heritage Village, Sturgeon Bay.
ALL WEEK: Glimpse the Commercial Past! The Sturgeon Bay Historical Society presents Advertisements of Old Sturgeon Bay: Find advertisements from former Sturgeon Bay businesses of the 1890s-1920s in storefront windows during History Days. East & West downtowns in Sturgeon Bay.
ALL WEEK: Guided Tours of Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island, 1-4pm, Rock Island State Park
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY: 250 Display in the Vignes Schoolhouse. Step back in time and into our one-room schoolhouse to discover the history of the Declaration of Independence. Leave a note about what history means to you.
About the Heritage Alliance of Door County
The Heritage Alliance of Door County is a collaborative network of historical and cultural organizations dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting Door County’s rich heritage. Through cooperative programming, education, and resource sharing, the Alliance helps ensure that the stories of Door County’s past remain accessible and meaningful for future generations.
2026 Door County History Days Participants
BAILEYS HARBOR:
Baileys Harbor Historical Society
Björklunden
History Along The Way
The Ridges Sanctuary
BRUSSELS:
Belgian Heritage Center
EGG HARBOR:
Door County Bookmobile
Horseshoe Bay Farms
Egg Harbor Historical Society
ELLISON BAY:
Liberty Grove Historical Society
EPHRAIM:
Ephraim Historical Foundation
FISH CREEK:
Alexander Noble House Museum
Gibraltar Historical Association
GILLS ROCK:
Death’s Door Maritime Museum
SISTER BAY:
Corner of the Past Museum
Sister Bay Historical Society
STURGEON BAY:
Door County Granary
Door County Museum and Archives
Door County Historical Society
Door County Library
Door County Maritime Museum
Heritage Village at Big Creek
Sturgeon Bay Historical Society
WASHINGTON ISLAND:
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands
Friends of Rock Island
Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum
Jacobsens Museum
Washington Island Archives
Washington Island Art & Nature Center
Washington Island Farm Museum
ALL CONTENT © 2026 BY DOOR GUIDE PUBLISHING
