Wisconsin Historical Society: Make your way on the new “Wisconsin Journey” at Old World Wisconsin

Contact:Kara O’Keeffe
Wisconsin Historical Society
E-Mail: kara.okeeffe@wisconsinhistory.org

Eagle, Wis. – Experience first-hand what life was like for a group of 19th century Swedish immigrants as they arrived in America and established a community in Wisconsin with the new interactive guided experience, “Wisconsin Journey” at Old World Wisconsin this fall.

“This hands on program is perfect for those who have been to Old World Wisconsin many times and want a new way to experience the history and stories they love,” said Dan Freas, site director of Old World Wisconsin. “This experience is hosted by a costumed guide and tram driver who will coordinate guests movements across the site, and take them through the experiences, challenges and conversations of the day.”

Each guest will be paired with a historic character and they will experience their immigrant journey including unpacking a trunk to discover what they brought with them from the old country. “Wisconsin Journey” takes guests to three different buildings on site; they will face challenges and will need to work together with their community to overcome obstacles as they establish their new life in Wisconsin.

The experience of this journey is based on the real life stories of actual immigrants who came to Wisconsin in 1843 when Wisconsin was just a territory. Guests will explore historical resources for clues as they consider what it was like for these immigrants in the 19th century to call Wisconsin, and America, home.

The “Wisconsin Journey” lasts 90 minutes and is limited to 16 guests per journey. The current program will run through October 13, 2017 and hosts three journey’s a day, Tuesday through Friday.

Advanced tickets are recommended as it’s first come first served basis, online tickets can be purchased here and tickets can also be purchased day-of in the Ramsey Barn. Adults are $12, Children aged 5-17 are $9 and children under 5 are free. While all ages are welcome, the content explored is best for ages 10 and up. This program will take place rain or shine, walking shoes are recommended.

The “Wisconsin Journey” offers exclusive access to Old World Wisconsin; the site is closed to general visitors so guests are not able to self-explore the grounds before or after their visit. The museum store will be open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm each day and the full site will be open weekends, Sept. 2 to Oct. 15, 2017.

For more information on this and other events taking place at Old World Wisconsin this year visit < a href="oldworldwisconsin.org">oldworldwisconsin.org.

About Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin is a 600-acre regional history attraction that features interactive environments and immersive stories of 19th-and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant farm and rural life. It is one of twelve Wisconsin Historical Society sites and museums around the state. The museum offers guests hands-on activities, led by period-clad staff members, as they visit 10 working farmsteads, explore 12 heirloom gardens, meet heritage animal breeds and try historic crafts and skills. Old World Wisconsin is located on Highway 67 just south of Eagle, Wisconsin in the Milwaukee/Chicago/Madison triangle. Check our website for seasonal hours. For more information visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org or call 262-594-6301.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.

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