History of Door County Maple Syrup & the Jorns Family

The Door County Historical Society will host its Saturday afternoon yesteryear program “History of Door County Maple Syrup & the Jorns Family,” presented by Steve Jorns, on Saturday, July 27 at 1:00 pm in the Vignes School at the Heritage Village at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

Steve will lead a presentation about the Jorns family history and their involvement with the maple syrup industry. He will also discuss the history of maple syrup in Door County.

The Jorns family has lived in Door County for several generations. Ferdinand Jorns, Steve’s great grandfather, arrived in the United States in the 1850s. Originally from Hamburg, Germany, Ferdinand immigrated to the United States after extensive travels around the east, including India and China. 

Steve will share the stories of his ancestors and the struggles that they faced as they settled in Wisconsin. The Jorns family eventually found success in farming and maple syrup production. Their maple syrup products can still be purchased today at Jorns Sugar Bush in Egg Harbor. 

Before the Jorns ever arrived in Wisconsin, Native Americans were producing syrup. Steve will explain the process that the Native Americans used to produce their syrup and how it differs from the process used today.

In order to enhance his program, Steve will share photos to help bring the information to life.

This special yesteryear program has no admission charge but participants are encouraged to consider giving a small donation. The Heritage Village and Vignes School are located at 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.  The Heritage Village is open for self-guided tours prior to the presentation beginning at 10:00 am and after the presentation until 3:00 pm; the adult admission fee is $6.50 and a donation for youth admission is appreciated. For information, contact Door County Historical Society at (920) 421-2332 or email doorcountyhistory@gmail.com.

Founded in 1926, the Door County Historical Society keeps history alive for future generations through the collection, preservation and sharing of the heritage of Door County. The Society is a membership organization that operates two interpretive sites: Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park and the Heritage Village at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.