Contact: Lisa McGovern,
Communications Manager
Office 262-594-6304
Mobile: 414-217-5447
lisa.mcgovern@wisconsinhistory.org
Guests Will Experience 19th-Century Harvest and Food Preparation Activities During “Autumn on the Farms” at Old World Wisconsin:
Thursdays through Sundays, September 5-October 13
Eagle, Wis.–Old World Wisconsin’s 19th- and early 20th-century farmsteads will be filled with harvest activities during “Autumn on the Farms” as farmers bring in the crops and fill the larders as they would have done over a century ago. The event takes place Thursdays through Sundays, September 5 through October 13, 10 am to 5 pm.
According to Jennifer Van Haaften, curator of interpretation, “This event is so popular that we’ve expanded it to six extended weekends and packed in loads of activities, including special author events. This is a great time to enjoy our site in the cooler autumn weather. Our farmers and historic gardeners will be harvesting the crops and heirloom produce. We’ll fire up the wood-burning stoves and make sausage, brew ale, bake pies and pickle eggs. Guests can also learn firsthand about early methods of meat preservation. There’s lots to do every day. Each weekend we’ll have a different focus–from historic beverages to meat preparation, vintage baking methods to farm machinery. And we’ve added even more activities as we’ve joined with the Wisconsin Science Festival September 26-29, showcasing ‘Pioneer Power’ by demonstrating a variety of labor-saving devices.”
“Autumn on the Farms” weekend themes are:
September 7-8: Autumn Beverages: Beer, Brewing and Beyond
September 14-15: Pickles and Preserves
September 21-22: Baking Around the World
September 28-29: Holidays Around the Corner
October 5-6: Machines and Manpower
October 12-13: Making Bacon (meat preservation)
A detailed listing of activities for each extended weekend, including times for author events, can be found at: http://wihist.org/OldWorldWIAutumnOnTheFarms.
Admission: 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.
Overview of Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin, located in southeast Wisconsin and owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, is a premier outdoor museum of late 19th- and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant farm and rural life. During the daily operating season, the museum offers family friendly activities, led by period-clad interpreters, as they visit 10 working farmsteads, explore 12 heirloom gardens, interact with historic animal breeds, and try historic crafts and trades. In 2013 the museum offers expanded activities every day that it is open, increased historic themes, and even more opportunities for guest engagement. Old World Wisconsin is open to the general public 10 am to 5 pm weekends in May, daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Thursday through Sunday, September 5, through October 13. Special Halloween programming is offered in October, Heritage Arts Workshops in November and holiday programming in December.
Old World Wisconsin is located at W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle, WI 53119.
Call 262-594-6300 for general information, or visit us online at www.oldworldwisconsin.org
Media Requests:
For a media pass, an interview with a curator, or high-resolution images, contact Lisa McGovern at 262-594-6304 (office), 414-217-5447 (mobile), or lisa.mcgovern@wisconsinhistory.org.
