Old World Wisconsin: Master thatcher repairs thatched roofs at Old World Wisconsin using techniques dating to the Middle Ages

Contact: Lisa McGovern,
Communications Manager

262-594-6304

lisa.mcgovern@wisconsinhistory.org

Eagle, Wis.– Work has begun by Master Thatcher Colin McGhee and Co. to clean and repair two thatched roofs at Old World Wisconsin. The Koepsel stable and Grube barn, both on the Schulz farm in the German area of the museum, are undergoing scheduled maintenance, using methods that date back to the Middle Ages.

Thatch is defined as any vegetation used to roof a structure. The vegetation is gathered, bundled, and secured to a framework on top of a building, creating a roof that is weather resistant and an excellent insulator. The thatched roofs at Old World Wisconsin will be cleaned, then brushed. New reed will be dressed, or inserted, into areas requiring repair, and the ridges will be tightened. The roofs will also be sprayed with bluestone copper sulfate to prevent moss growth.

McGhee and Co. most recently performed this work a decade ago, the typical span between maintenance needs. McGhee, who trained in England, achieved the prestigious Master Thatcher designation after years of schooling, apprenticeship, and commitment. McGhee and Co. has worked on projects in England, for the Bronx Zoo in New York, across the United States, and most recently completed work on a cottage in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Members of the media are invited to witness the process and speak with Colin McGhee on October 13, weather permitting. RSVP to 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, 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. Day camps, custom group tours and special event space rental are also offered. Old World Wisconsin is
located at W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle, WI 53119. For general information, call 262-594-6300 or visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org.