Old World Wisconsin: 19th-century Halloween experiences take advantage of historic location

Media Contact: Lisa McGovern,

Communications Manager

Office 262-594-6304

Mobile: 414-217-5447

lisa.mcgovern@wisconsinhistory.org

19th-Century Halloween Experiences Take Advantage of Historic Location at Old World Wisconsin

Historic Site to Host Halloween Dinner Theater: Sherlock Holmes and Halloween Legends and Lore

Eagle, Wis.–Storytelling, straight from the 19th century, will shape two popular Halloween events at Old World Wisconsin this season as the historic site presents Halloween Dinner Theater: Sherlock Holmes and Halloween Legends and Lore.

Robert Parker, assistant museum director, who oversees the site’s Halloween experiences, shared: “We take excellent advantage of our 19th-century buildings and Kettle Moraine location, and delight in bringing to life unique stories and folktales from the 1800s. Guests of all ages enjoy these one-of-a-kind events. We received high ratings the first time we offered Halloween Legends and Lore last year. And our Halloween Dinner Theater sales are strong–running 30 percent ahead of last year at this time!”

Sherlock Holmes – Halloween Dinner Theater – Old World Wisconsin

Click to view a brief video trailer for the production.

Halloween Dinner Theater: Sherlock Holmes. October 10-26; Fridays 7 pm; Saturdays 5 and 8 pm; Sundays 5 pm. Adults $65; children 17 and under $50. Reservations required.

After enjoying a themed meal in the circa-1897 Clausing Barn, guests will be led by lamplight to the almost-century-and-a-half-old Caldwell Farmers’ Club Hall, where they will join the heroes of Baker Street for an evening of detection, mystery and quick-witted humor in this original theatrical series.

Each weekend features a different menu and mystery; each show is independent and can be enjoyed without viewing the others:

Sherlock Holmes and a Most Irregular Tea Party: October 10-12

Sherlock Holmes and the Regrettable Engagement: October 17-19

Sherlock Holmes and the Final Vow: October 24-26

Inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the series was written and directed by Elizabeth Shipe.

Guests can hear the banshee’s wail and Jack o’ Lantern’s tale at the Irish home.

Halloween Legends and Lore: October 11, 18, 25 and 31; 5-8:30 pm. Adults $10; children (5-17) $7; under 5 free. Best enjoyed by children age 8 and up.

Coupons for a $2 discount per admission are available at sponsor WaterStone Bank branches.

A celebration of immigrant folk and fairytales of the Old World as well as Wisconsin ghost stories from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Guests can learn the origins of Wisconsin’s Ridgeway ghost, witness Baba Yaga come to life, hear tales by the bonfire, navigate mazes, munch spooky snacks and enjoy other Halloween delights as they stroll the 1800s crossroads village after dark.

Details and Tickets: Details for both Old World Wisconsin Halloween events can be found at http://wihist.org/HalloweenOWW2014 or by calling 262-594-6301.

Media Inquiries: For questions, an interview, or high resolution images, please contact Lisa McGovern at lisa.mcgovern@wisconsinhistory.org or 262-594-6304 (office) or 414-217-5447 (mobile).

Overview of Old World Wisconsin

Old World Wisconsin is located in the Milwaukee/Chicago/Madison triangle.The outdoor museum features 19th- and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant farm and rural life. In 2014, the museum launched “Catch Wheel Fever!”, a hands-on 1890s cycling experience, to great guest response. 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.