Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (July 13, 2026) — The Door County Historical Society (DCHS) is proud to announce that it has received two of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s highest honors from the Board of Curators, recognizing both the organization’s long-standing commitment to preserving local history and the successful restoration of one of Wisconsin’s most treasured historic landmarks.
The awards include the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History and the Historic Rehabilitation Award for the restoration of Eagle Bluff Light Station.
The Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History is the Wisconsin Historical Society’s premier award for affiliated local historical organizations. Presented annually since 1958, the award recognizes one historical society in Wisconsin for continued excellence and overall service to its community over a period of at least five years. Organizations are evaluated on their achievements in collecting, preserving, and sharing history, as well as the overall impact they have on their communities through education, partnerships, historic preservation, exhibits, publications, and public programming.
“This award reflects the dedication of everyone who has supported the Door County Historical Society over the past century,” said Amy Frank, Executive Director of the Door County Historical Society. “From our volunteers and members, to our staff, donors, partners, and board members, this recognition celebrates decades of work preserving Door County’s stories and making history meaningful and accessible for our community.”
The Society also received the Historic Rehabilitation Award for the restoration of Eagle Bluff Light Station in Fish Creek. This award recognizes exemplary rehabilitation projects that restore and preserve Wisconsin’s historic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural heritage. The Eagle Bluff Light Station project restored the 1868 lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling while reconstructing the historic barn and summer kitchen, rehabilitating the light tower, restoring the oil house and privy, and returning the site to its appearance during the Duclon family era. The project was completed through years of planning, fundraising, partnerships, and the generous support of donors, volunteers, contractors, preservation specialists, and grant organizations.
“Eagle Bluff Light Station is one of Wisconsin’s iconic landmarks,” Frank said. “This award recognizes not only the craftsmanship involved in the restoration, but also the incredible commitment of our community to preserving this irreplaceable piece of Door County’s history for generations to come.”
Receiving both awards during the Door County Historical Society’s 100th Anniversary year makes the recognition especially meaningful. Since its founding in 1926, the Society has worked to collect, preserve, and share the rich history of Door County through its museums, historic sites, educational programs, archives, publications, and community partnerships.
Today, the Door County Historical Society operates Eagle Bluff Light Station, Heritage Village, and extensive archival collections while offering year-round educational programming that serves residents and visitors alike.
“The work of preserving history is never done,” Frank added. “These awards celebrate what we’ve accomplished together over the past 100 years while inspiring us to continue protecting Door County’s remarkable heritage for the next century.”
The Wisconsin Historical Society Board of Curators presents its annual awards to recognize exceptional achievements in historic preservation, local history, education, museums, archives, and public programming throughout the state. Awards are reviewed by committees of experts and approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Curators.
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