Historical Society: Wilhelm Tell Schuetzen Haus and Park listed in the National Register of Historic Places

New Glarus, Green County, WI. – The Wisconsin Historical Society announces the listing of the Wilhelm Tell Schuetzen Haus and Parkin the National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 2022. The Welhelm Tell Schuetzen Haus and Park is located in a rural setting north of New Glarus Village. Also known as the Wilhelm Tell Shooting Barn and Park, the 4.8 acre park was established in 1879 and the wood-frame vernacular barn was constructed in 1907.

It is a significant property for its cultural association as an outdoor sporting facility and clubhouse. Constructed as a Swiss social club, it followed the cultural tradition of sharpshooting contests (called schuetzenfests) from 1879 – c. 1960 and held annual events to celebrate Swiss culture and music (called Volksfest). This establishment is representative of the Swiss influence in the area, as one of the largest ethnic groups in Wisconsin, especially with only two known shooting barns that remain in existence in the state of Wisconsin.

The Fuldner Heritage Fund paid for the preparation of this nomination. This endowed fund, created through a generous donation by the Jeffris Family Foundation and administered by the Wisconsin Historical Society, supports the nomination of historically and architecturally significant rural and small-town properties.      

Additional information for the Welhelm Tell Schuetzen Haus and Parkis available at

https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/NationalRegister/NR2687

To learn more about the State and National Register programs in Wisconsin, visit https://wisconsinhistory.org/hp/register/