![DC History Days Logo 2024 DC History Days Logo 2024](https://doorcounty.net/wp-content/uploads/DC-History-Days-Logo-2024.png)
Visit the Door Peninsula for Door County History Days, a weeklong celebration of history and heritage. From Mon., June 17 to Sun., June 23, 15 cultural institutions will host more than 30 special programs. From the Belgian Heritage Center in Southern Door County to Jacobsens Museum on Washington Island, history is on display for all to enjoy.
Follow event updates on https://www.facebook.com/heritageallianceofdoorcounty.
![HADC-4000 HADC](https://doorcounty.net/wp-content/uploads/HADC-4000-300x300.png)
Monday: June 17
9:30–12:30 pm: Door County History Days Kick Off Event
On Monday, June 17, the Heritage Alliance of Door County launches History Days 2024 'Surrounded by Water.’ The launch kicks off with a ferry ride through Death's Door and over to Washington Island where speakers including Dick Purinton, and Joel Gunnlaugsson from the Island, the National Park Service and others will introduce our theme this year. Attendees will then have the chance to take a tour of historical sites of Washington Island on the legendary Cherry Train. Stops will include Jacobsen Museum, and Jackson Harbor.
https://www.washingtonisland-wi.gov/museums
10 am–4 pm: Friends of Rock Island State Park
Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum Guided Tours
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Rock Island State Park
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for their 20th year giving guided tours of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
10 am–3 pm: The Ridges Sanctuary
Tours of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights
The Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor
Tour the Upper Range Light, restored to the period of the Range Light Keepers! Learn about the history of the Range Light buildings, the keepers who inhabited the house, and how the lights work as a critical tool for navigational aid.
https://www.ridgessanctuary.org/
7–8 pm: Liberty Grove Historical Society
Commercial Fishing Traditions and Sustainable Practices with Charlie Henriksen
11831 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Hear Charlie Henriksen share his stories about commercial fishing. An active participant in Wisconsin fish politics, Charlie’s tale begins in the winter of 1974, ice fishing with Clayton Johnson and Craig Woerfel. In 1987, after fishing part-time with Neil and Frank Teskie, Charlie Voight, Paul Goodman and Jack Schmirler, and learning trap nets from Jeff and Mark Weborg and Dick Bergwin, Charlie established Henriksen Fisheries. Last year, Will and Kristie Moss-Henriksen, the business’s next generation, joined the team and celebrated the opening of their new store at Old Stage & Hwy 42.
All LGHS programs follow a short membership meeting in the White Barn. Merchandise benefiting LGHS will be available, including "Living in God's Country.” All programs are free and open to the public with on-site parking and seating in the barn.
All events are subject to change. For the most current event information, find us on Facebook @libertygrovehistory.
https://www.libertygrovehistorical.org/
Tuesday, June 18
9:30 am: Ephraim Historical Foundation
History Kayak Tour of Eagle Harbor
South Shore Pier, Ephraim
Experience Door County history from the beautiful waters of Eagle Harbor on a guided kayak tour. With stops near historic shipwrecks, Anderson Dock, Eagle Bluff, and more, the tour will give guests a close-up look at important pieces of Ephraim's cultural and natural history. The tour will launch from South Shore Pier in Ephraim and take out in Nicolet Bay, with transportation back to South Shore Pier included.
Sign up Here: https://peninsulakayakcompany.com/ephraim-historical-tour
10 am–4 pm: Friends of Rock Island State Park
Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum Guided Tours
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Rock Island State Park
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for their 20th year giving guided tours of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
10 am–3 pm: The Ridges Sanctuary
Tours of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights
The Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor
Tour the Upper Range Light, restored to the period of the Range Light Keepers! Learn about the history of the Range Light buildings, the keepers who inhabited the house, and how the lights work as a critical tool for navigational aid.
https://www.ridgessanctuary.org/
10 am–3 pm: Gibraltar Historical Association
Exhibit: "Reflections of the Past"
Alexander Noble House Museum, Fish Creek
Embark on a thrilling journey into history as you delve into the life of Asa Thorp, the visionary who erected the first pier between Washington Island and Fort Howard. This pivotal development in transportation fostered trade and played a vital role in the burgeoning of tourism in Door County.
https://www.historicnoble.org/
10:30 am–3 pm: Sister Bay Historical Society
Free Museum Tours
Corner of the Past Museum, Sister Bay
In participation with the Heritage Alliance's Door County History Days on June 18th, you will be able to enjoy Free Tours at the Corner of the Past Museum, 10:30 am - 3 pm!
There will also be a special exhibit featuring some historic families of Sister Bay:
• Andersons
• Hendricksons
• Jischkes
• Roesers and Champeaus
• Willems
Current family members will be on hand to share stories, photos, and artifacts in the Koessl Barn
10:30: Ephraim Historical Foundation
History Tram Tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Ephraim's history! Guided by incredibly knowledgeable volunteers, History Tram Tours take visitors along picturesque Eagle Harbor to historic sites throughout the village. The open-air tram is a great way to enjoy Door County's beautiful weather and views. Tours accommodate up to 5 people and last approximately an hour.
6 pm: Ephraim Historical Foundation
History Speaks Lecture: Through Their Lens with Jeff O'Keeffe
Ephraim Village Hall
Join Ephraim Historical Foundation Curator & Collections Manager Jeff O'Keeffe for an in-depth look at the ongoing digitization efforts of the EHF collection, and how that work inspired this year's feature exhibit. From preserving glass plate negatives to uncovering the fascinating stories of local photographers, this presentation will take you behind the scenes of the preservation and interpretation of Ephraim's history.
7–8:30 pm: Sister Bay Historical Society
Corner of the Past Museum
Tuesday, June 18th, 7 pm in the Koessl Barn - enjoy “Sister Bay Stories,” Husby's Food & Spirits
Wednesday, June 19
10 am: Door County Library
Imagining History: What's Fun and What's Not about Writing Historical Fiction
Door County Library, Jane Greene Room, 107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay
Talk by Ann Heyse relating to her recent book This Light is Ours, set in Door County in 1871-72. The book takes readers back to a time when nearly a thousand cargo ships sailed up and down the Lake Michigan shoreline each month. Lighthouses were vital to that trade. In this novel, the lives of a sea captain, freed slave, unethical businessman, and young widow intertwine at Roundstone Harbor Light, a fictional lighthouse on the Door County peninsula.
https://www.doorcountylibrary.org/
10 am–4 pm: Friends of Rock Island State Park
Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum Guided Tours
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Rock Island State Park
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for their 20th year giving guided tours of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
10 am–3 pm: Gibraltar Historical Association
Exhibit "Reflections of the Past"
Alexander Noble House Museum, Fish Creek
Embark on a thrilling journey into history as you delve into the life of Asa Thorp, the visionary who erected the first pier between Washington Island and Fort Howard. This pivotal development in transportation fostered trade and played a vital role in the burgeoning of tourism in Door County.
https://www.historicnoble.org/
10:30 am: Ephraim Historical Foundation
History Tram Tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Ephraim's history! Guided by incredibly knowledgeable volunteers, History Tram Tours take visitors along picturesque Eagle Harbor to historic sites throughout the village. The open-air tram is a great way to enjoy Door County's beautiful weather and views. Tours accommodate up to 5 people and last approximately an hour.
11 am–2 pm: The Ridges Sanctuary
Tours of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights
The Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor
Tour the Upper Range Light, restored to the period of the Range Light Keepers! Learn about the history of the Range Light buildings, the keepers who inhabited the house, and how the lights work as a critical tool for navigational aid.
https://www.ridgessanctuary.org/
7 pm: Baileys Harbor Historical Society
Hickey Family Commercial Fishing
Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 County Road F, Baileys Harbor
The men and women of the Hockey family have been fishing Lake Michigan waters since the mid 1800s. Join us as Dennis Hickey share more facts and stories about the life of commercial fishermen and women in Baileys Harbor. The program will begin by honoring Leann Despotes, a founder of Baileys Harbor Historical Society as she steps down from the board.
https://www.baileysharborhistoricalsociety.org/
Thursday, June 20
10 am: Door County Maritime Museum
Exhibit: “A Well-Made Net” – The Fishing Families of Door County
Death’s Door Museum, Gills Rock
Kay Dragon, curator of the Door County Maritime Museum, will talk about her new exhibit on the genealogy of the fishing families of northern Door County. This presentation will be accompanied by a presentation by Steven Rice, Door County archivist, where he will talk about conducting genealogy research in Door County.
10 am–3 pm: Gibraltar Historical Association
Exhibit "Reflections of the Past"
Alexander Noble House Museum, Fish Creek
Embark on a thrilling journey into history as you delve into the life of Asa Thorp, the visionary who erected the first pier between Washington Island and Fort Howard. This pivotal development in transportation fostered trade and played a vital role in the burgeoning of tourism in Door County.
https://www.historicnoble.org/
10 am–3 pm: The Ridges Sanctuary
Tours of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights
The Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor
Tour the Upper Range Light, restored to the period of the Range Light Keepers! Learn about the history of the Range Light buildings, the keepers who inhabited the house, and how the lights work as a critical tool for navigational aid.
https://www.ridgessanctuary.org/
10 am–4 pm: Friends of Rock Island State Park
Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum Guided Tours
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Rock Island State Park
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for their 20th year giving guided tours of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
10 am: Door County Library & Sturgeon Bay Historical Foundation
Preserving and Making History: Updates from the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation
Door County Library, Jane Greene Room, 107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay
Dedicated to preserving Sturgeon Bay’s living history, Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation is focused on structures that reflect the value, wonder, and charm of a city surrounded by water. Join us to find out what's happening with our current projects, Potawatomi Tower and the Granary and what's on our radar for the future.
https://www.doorcountylibrary.org/
10:30 am: Ephraim Historical Foundation
History Tram Tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Ephraim's history! Guided by incredibly knowledgeable volunteers, History Tram Tours take visitors along picturesque Eagle Harbor to historic sites throughout the village. The open air tram is a great way to enjoy Door County's beautiful weather and views. Tours accommodate up to 5 people and last approximately an hour.
1 pm: Ephraim Historical Society
Curator's Tour: 'Through Their Lens'
Anderson Barn Museum, Ephraim
Come to the Anderson Barn Museum and walk with Ephraim Historical Foundation Curator & Collections Manager Jeff O'Keeffe through this year's feature exhibit Through Their Lens: Unseen Photographs from the EHF Archives. Learn the stories behind the historic photographs spanning from the late 1800s to 1970, and have the opportunity to converse with the curator about historic photography!
1 pm: Belgian Heritage Center
Belgian Settlers Success Shaped by Land and Water, a presentation
1255 County Highway DK, Brussels, WI
we will look back at the economic development of the Belgian settlements and the important role of local docks and the waters of Green Bay. Visitors will be able to view old-time hand implements used by settlers to improve their livelihood. Belgian baked goods will be available for purchase and there will also be plenty of time to check out the exhibits and visit the restored school/convent.
https://www.belgianheritagecenter.org/en-us/default.aspx
4–8 pm: Liberty Grove Historical Society (LGHS)
22nd Fish Boil Fundraiser: Lake to Table
The Barn, LGHS Campus, Grandview Town Park, 11831 Highway 42, Ellison Bay
Experience a traditional Door County Fish Boil with whitefish caught in the waters oof the shores of Liberty Grove.
https://www.libertygrovehistorical.org/
Friday, June 21
10 am–4 pm: Friends of Rock Island State Park
Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum Guided Tours
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Rock Island State Park
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for their 20th year giving guided tours of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
10 am–3 pm: The Ridges Sanctuary
Tours of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights
The Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor
Tour the Upper Range Light, restored to the period of the Range Light Keepers! Learn about the history of the Range Light buildings, the keepers who inhabited the house, and how the lights work as a critical tool for navigational aid.
https://www.ridgessanctuary.org/
10 am–3 pm: Gibraltar Historical Association
Exhibit "Reflections of the Past"
Alexander Noble House Museum, Fish Creek
Embark on a thrilling journey into history as you delve into the life of Asa Thorp, the visionary who erected the first pier between Washington Island and Fort Howard. This pivotal development in transportation fostered trade and played a vital role in the burgeoning of tourism in Door County.
https://www.historicnoble.org/
10:30 am: Ephraim Historical Foundation
History Tram Tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Ephraim's history! Guided by incredibly knowledgeable volunteers, History Tram Tours take visitors along picturesque Eagle Harbor to historic sites throughout the village. The open air tram is a great way to enjoy Door County's beautiful weather and views. Tours accommodate up to 5 people and last approximately an hour.
4 pm: Egg Harbor Historical Society & Horseshoe Bay Farms
A Door County Bookmobile Celebration
7212 Horseshoe Bay Road, Egg Harbor
More than 10 years ago the iconic Door County Bookmobile was towed from John Enigl's farmstead. Join us as the beloved Bookmobile awakens with it's rededication and transfer to its own operating entity "Door County Bookmobile, Inc"
Saturday, June 22
10 am–4 pm: Liberty Grove Historical Society
Season Opener
11831 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Join us in celebrating the official opening of the LGHS museum buildings for the 2023 season on Saturday, June 24 from 10:00–4:00 pm. Docents will be on site. Onsite Veterans Memorial/Circle of Honor and Heritage Walkway. Access to scenic overlook. Plenty of parking and seating available.
https://www.libertygrovehistorical.org/
10 am–3 pm: Gibraltar Historical Association
Exhibit "Reflections of the Past"
Alexander Noble House Museum, Fish Creek
Embark on a thrilling journey into history as you delve into the life of Asa Thorp, the visionary who erected the first pier between Washingotn Island and Fort Howard. This pivotal development in transportation fostered trade and played a vital role in the burgeoning of tourism in Door County.
https://www.historicnoble.org/
10 am–3 pm: The Ridges Sanctuary
Tours of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights
The Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor
Tour the Upper Range Light, restored to the period of the Range Light Keepers! Learn about the history of the Range Light buildings, the keepers who inhabited the house, and how the lights work as a critical tool for navigational aid.
https://www.ridgessanctuary.org/
10 am–4 pm: Friends of Rock Island State Park
Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum Guided Tours
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Rock Island State Park
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for their 20th year giving guided tours of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
Sunday, June 23
10 am–4 pm: Friends of Rock Island State Park
Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum Guided Tours
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Rock Island State Park
Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for their 20th year giving guided tours of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters.
10 am–3 pm: Gibraltar Historical Association
Exhibit "Reflections of the Past"
Alexander Noble House Museum, Fish Creek
Embark on a thrilling journey into history as you delve into the life of Asa Thorp, the visionary who erected the first pier between Washington Island and Fort Howard. This pivotal development in transportation fostered trade and played a vital role in the burgeoning of tourism in Door County.
https://www.historicnoble.org/
2–3:30 pm: Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum
Book Signing: Sunken Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan by Kathy Growth
Jackson Harbor, Washington Island
Join us at Jackson Harbor (a location of many shipwrecks!) to hear from Kathy Groth about her book “Sunken.”