Media Contact: Lisa McGovern,
Communications Manager
Office 262-594-6304
Mobile: 414-217-5447
lisa.mcgovern@
Old World Wisconsin Packs Many One-of-a-Kind
19th-Century Experiences into July
Eagle, Wis.–Old World Wisconsin is packing July with family friendly activities straight from the 1800s, filling each day with unique opportunities for guests to try 19th-century life.
Jennifer Van Haaften, associate director, programs and historical resources, elaborated enthusiastically: “As a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder myself, I’ve encouraged our focus to be giving our guests opportunities to participate and pretend they are living in the past like Laura did. What better way than to try tasks straight from the pages of her books, by participating in old-fashioned Fourth of July contests and patriotic activities or by joining a pick-up base ball game after getting close to the action of our Eagle Diamonds?”
The World of Little House, June 28-July 31, lets guests try out the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her friends and family. They can play string games, card wool, churn and wash butter, apprentice in the wagon shop, jump in a haystack or even put on period-appropriate clothing from the dress-up box. Special farm activities include the threshing of grain, which is removing the grain from straw, just like Pa did, grinding the grain with a hand-cranked mill, or stacking firewood. On Tuesdays, guests can buy period-appropriate items in the village general store using coins purchased at Admissions. Activities change throughout the month; details at http://wihist.org/
The World of Little House Specials: All guests who wear their favorite pioneer costume will receive $2 off admission during the run of “The World of Little House.” All Laura Ingalls Wilder-themed merchandise is 15 percent off in the museum gift shop during this event.
Old World Fourth of July, July 4-6, now features three days of games and old-fashioned summertime activities, including tug o’ war, pie-eating and greased pole-climbing contests. Guests will even have the opportunity to try hand cranking and tasting ice cream. On July 4 only, additional patriotic activities begin with a flag-raising ceremony at 11 am, followed by a Community Band concert at 11:30 am. This is the only day of the year this band comes together to play songs of the time, on instruments of the period. There is nothing like the Grand Parade through the late-1800s Crossroads Village, which begins at 1:30 pm and includes 19th-century displays, animals, music, and opportunities for guests to participate. Details on all of the activities at http://wihist.org/OWFourth.
Eagle Diamonds vs. Milwaukee Grays historic base ball: July 12 at 1:30 pm. The teams play by 1860s rules and invite guests to try out the equipment and run the bases after the game.
Base Ball Carload Pricing: Game days only, a group of up to nine can receive admission for only $43. Museum admission includes access to the game.
Hours and Admission: Old World Wisconsin is open from 10 am to 5 pm during these events. Adults $16; children (5-17) $9 (children under 5 are free); students and senior citizens (65 and over) $14; family (two adults and two or more dependent children 5-17) $43. Fees include an all-day tram transportation pass. All details at www.oldworldwisconsin.org or by calling 262-594-6301.
Overview of Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin is located in the Chicago/Milwaukee/Madison triangle. The popular historic site recently opened Catch Wheel Fever!, an interactive 1890s cycling experience, to great guest enthusiasm. The outdoor museum features 19th- and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant farm and rural life. During the daily operating season May through October, plus postseason and holiday events in November and December, the museum offers family friendly activities, led by period-clad interpreters, as they visit 10 working farmsteads, explore 12 heirloom gardens, interact with heritage animal breeds, and try historic crafts and trades. Old World Wisconsin is located at W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle, WI 53119. For general information and details about 2014 activities, call 262-594-6301 or visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org.
