Contact: Lisa McGovern,
Communications Manager
Office 262-594-6304
Mobile: 414-217-5447
lisa.mcgovern@wisconsinhistory.org
Eagle, Wis.– The recent snowfall has enabled Old World Wisconsin to offer horse-drawn bobsled rides at “The Spirit of Christmas Past” on Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15. According to Jennifer Van Haaften, curator of interpretation, “We’ve wanted to offer these ever since we began receiving guest feedback requesting them. Working with our farm staff, we made the decision today that there will be enough snow cover to offer bobsled rides. This is the first time in anyone’s memory that we’ve been able to do this. We’re thrilled!” The site is requesting a $3 per person donation per rider.
Instead of being hitched to the wagon shown here, the draft horse team of Queen and Quincy will be hitched to a bobsled this weekend.
During “The Spirit of Christmas Past” guests can stroll the 19th-century village, visiting shops and homes, witness the making of historic holiday recipes like mincement pie and wassail, sample old-fashioned holiday baking, make traditional ornaments, sing Christmas carols in St. Peter’s Church, and visit and take photos with Santa, dressed as he was imagined by Thomas Nast.
On Saturday from 1-3 pm, Susan Apps-Bodilly will be signing copies of her book, “One Room Schools: Stories from the Days of 1 Room, 1 Teacher, 8 Grades.”
Hours and Admission:
Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15, noon to 4 pm
Special holiday pricing: $5 per person; children 4 and under FREE. No reservations needed.
Details at www.oldworldwisconsin.org or by calling 262-594-6301.
Warm Winter Clothing Drive at All Old World Wisconsin Holiday Events
Guests are encouraged to bring new or gently used cold-weather gear to Old World Wisconsin during “The Spirit of Christmas Past” or any of the historic site’s other holiday events. The initiative is part of the Department of Tourism’s “The Big Bundle Up” warm winter clothing drive. Donations will go to The Women’s Center in Waukesha. They are especially in need of children’s winter jackets, snow pants, boots and plus-size hoodies, shirts and sweatpants.
Old World Wisconsin’s other holiday events are:
“Little Women” Holiday Dinner Theater weekends through December 22
Breakfast with Father Christmas December 21 and 22
Details and reservations at www.oldworldwisconsin.org or 262-594-6301.
Media Inquiries: For an interview with a curator, high-resolution images, or a media pass, 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, 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 May through October, 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. 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.
