Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Silk Ribbon Embroidery: Create-Connect Workshop
The silk ribbon embroidery workshop will introduce you to several stitches popular in the 1800's and used in traditional embroidery.
Mending 101: Create-Connect Workshop
Waste not, want not! Join in this thrifty person’s guide to repairing your clothes and other popular items. Bring an item to mend and give it new life.
February: Winter Weekend
Celebrate Victorian romance during this winter weekend! Also, borrow a pair of binoculars and play a game of Bird Bingo, take a guided walk with a naturalist, and more.
Valentine's Day Blacksmith Hearts: Create-Connect Workshop
This Valentine’s Day, let the sparks fly with our themed blacksmithing workshop - built for two! In this class, we will cover some of the basics of forging steel and move on to making hearts that you can share with your special valentine.
Manitowoc County’s Remarkable Homes: Hungry for History
Manitowoc County’s Remarkable Homes tells the story of the considerable contribution local historic homes have made to our community’s architecture. It also answers questions you've likely asked when you've seen a notable historic home: Who built this house? What brought them here? Why did they select that particular style?
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
History Detectives: Themed Field Trip
Dear Detective,
I hear you’re ready to get to work. And not a moment too soon. We’ve got a case at our local history museum and we need you to get right on it. The historians there are stumped. They have a bunch of unidentified artifacts on their hands. Big things, small things, heavy things, light things. The folks at the museum don’t know how or why any of them were used.
March: Winter Weekend
It’s all about fiber arts with many activities and demonstrations.
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Heritage Trades School
Spend the weekend immersed in history and take a bit of 19th century life and learning with you when you go!
Dine Fundraiser: Cousins Subs
Dine with us at Cousins Subs on Thursday April 10 from 4 pm to 8 pm. No flyer needed, simply visit Cousins Subs during the fundraiser hours and 20% from your order will be donated to MCHS.
Proceeds will help support the hands-on education program at the museum, such as Create-Connect Workshops, Homeschool programs, and our popular public programs.
Volunteer Open House and Luncheon
Volunteer Open House and Luncheon
Wednesday, April 16 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Learn all about the volunteer opportunities at our Manitowoc County Historical Society and join us in thanking our dedicated volunteer crew for all their efforts to strengthen our mission! Walk the grounds, check out our historic structures, and celebrate the volunteer spirit with us.
You’ll enjoy a light lunch while hearing all about the many opportunities available for volunteers - from buildings and grounds, to interpretation, education, archives, and guest services. We’ll also hear from current volunteers about what they do and what it means to them.
Want to join us? RSVP to our Engagement Manager, Devinne, at (920) 684-4445 or guestservices@manitowoccountyhistory.org.
Interested, but can't attend? Connect with us and a member of our team will follow up with you.
Advanced Registration Required
Museum Volunteers and Prospective Volunteers: FREE
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Scout Day!
The Manitowoc County Historical Society proud to offer programming for scouts to earn badges, petals, loops, and patches. The programing for scouts typically fulfils a badge requirement but additional activities outside of the program may be required. Museum admission is included in the price of the program.
19th Annual Homegrown Heritage Breakfast Fundraiser
19th Annual Homegrown Heritage Breakfast Fundraiser
Saturday, May 3 from 9 am - 12 Noon
Join us for Breakfast
Elevate your visit during our Spring Opening Weekend with our Homegrown Heritage Breakfast! Tickets include admission to the museum and village, along with all activities. Tickets are sold in time slots, corresponding to the time you would like to eat.
Tickets are sold in half-hour time blocks. Please note that this is the timeframe in which you are to arrive to eat, not the times you need to arrive and depart. You will select your chosen timeslot by clicking “Other times” in the online purchase window.
Menu:
Scrambled eggs from Humpty Dumpty Eggs
Toast from Natural Ovens Bakery
Bacon and Breakfast Sausage from Newton Meats
Butter from Pine River Dairy
Cheese from Henning’s Cheese
Pancakes and Local jams
Maple syrup from Hilltop Maple Syrup Camp
The breakfast will be prepared by Late’s BBQ, Manitowoc.
Funds raised at the event will help the Manitowoc County Historical Society in their efforts to preserve and promote local history through a wide variety of education programs.
*The breakfast is available while supplies last for walk-ins.
Ticket Information
Museum Members: $10 off Adult and Child prices
Adults (18+): $26/person
Youth (4-17): $16/person
Under age 4: FREE
Admission to the museum and village, along with all Spring Weekend activities are included in the price of breakfast tickets.
Corporate Partner Employee Day
Our 2025 Corporate Partners are invited to join our Manitowoc County Historical Society: Museum and Pinecrest Village for a FREE Employee Day on Saturday, May 3 from 10 am to 2 pm. There is NO CHARGE for general admission for all 2025 Corporate Partner employees and their immediate family members.
Spring Opening Weekend
You’ll be able to chat with our knowledgeable costumed interpreters who keep the stories of our past alive. You’ll hear the clanging of the blacksmith’s hammer, smell the aroma of fresh-baked treats, and truly experience life in the 19th century. Interpreters — including cooks and craftspeople — will be demonstrating their talents.
Lincoln Boulevard Historic Walking Tour
Lincoln Boulevard Historic Walking Tour
Wednesday, May 7 with Tours at 3 pm and 5 pm
Take a historic walk with us!
This 90 minute walking tour of Lincoln Boulevard in Manitowoc will bring to life the architectural styles, places, and people that called this area home.
Meet at location TBD
Tours take place at 3 pm and 5 pm and are 90 minutes each.
About the The Lincoln Boulevard Historic District:
Lincoln Boulevard is located on the north side of the City of Manitowoc. The district is centered around a tree-lined boulevard that contains nearly every architectural style popular in Wisconsin between 1895 and 1960. The earliest part of Lincoln Boulevard was established in 1892, and the opening of an electric streetcar line in 1901 gave the neighborhood its real start.
The streetcar line, located one block south of the boulevard, ran between downtown Manitowoc and downtown Two Rivers, including a scenic five-mile stretch along the shore of Lake Michigan. The streetcar provided convenient access to the downtown business district, and in the era before automobiles, it offered families the chance to live further from the noise and dirt of the city center.
The oldest part of the district, at the south end of the boulevard, contains several notable Queen Anne-style houses, identifiable by their exuberant use of multiple materials like stone, brick, clapboard, and shingles. Further north, the district contains cozy bungalows and two impressive Craftsman-style houses with broad, welcoming porches.
Advanced Registration Required
Museum Members: 15% discount
Attendees: $25 per person
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Member Swap Weekend
Member Swap Weekend gives you access to participating local museums. Explore museums across Manitowoc County with family, friends, or anyone covered by your membership.
Tram Tour: Members-Only
Hop aboard the Tram Tour with MCHS Engagement Manager Devinne Fackelman as we explore the Historic Village! Discover the unique history of several buildings, delve into tales from the past, and gain insights into the Museum itself. This tour is ideal for members of all ages.
MCLS Library Card Free Day
Join the Manitowoc-Calumet Library System for a free day at the Manitowoc County Historical Society. Guests can show their MCLS library card to tour the museum at no cost.
World War I Encampment
World War 1 Encampment
Saturday, May 31, from 10 am - 3 pm and Sunday, June 1, from 10 am to 3 pm
Visit the camps of American, British, German, Russian, and Ottoman nations and learn about their role in the Great War. Various activities are scheduled for the weekend including camp kitchens on the front, weaponry, the Red Cross and more. Step into a display area focusing on Manitowoc County during WWI.
Have a relative that served?
Stop by to learn about your WWI relatives and the units they served with.
Manitowoc County, with a population of 45,000, sent more than 2,300 sons to World War I. Company H Manitowoc's unit in the Old Wisconsin National Guard became Company H of the 127th infantry of the 32nd Division after being recruited and trained in Texas.
Meanwhile, the people of Manitowoc County were actively supporting the war effort through their time, resources, and contributions from their factories. With shipbuilding and aluminum industries here in – the county was able to send 12 ships abroad as well as steady supply of mess kits.
General Admission
Museum Members: FREE
Adults: $15
Seniors (62+): $13
Youth (4 – 17): $10
Children under 4: FREE
Non-members: Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!
Tram Tour
Tram Tour
Thursday, June 12 at 11 am until 1 pm
Friday, August 15 at 11 am until 1 pm
Saturday, September 13 at 11 am until 1 pm
Hop aboard the Tram Tour with one of our MCHS volunteers as we explore the Historic Village! Skip the walking from building to building as the tram takes you from place to place. The expected duration of the tour is approximately 2 hours.
This tour is ideal for individuals of all ages.
There is not an extra tram tour charge, just the cost of admission. The tram does have limited seating, so reservations are needed.
Please note: MCHS Member-Only tram tours are held throughout the year as well! Visit our calendar!
Ticket Information
Museum Members: FREE
Adults: $15
Seniors (62+): $13
Youth (4 – 17): $10
Children under 4: FREE
Reservations are required – there are a limited number of spots available per tour. Please RSVP to our Engagement Manager at (920) 684-4445 or email GuestServices@ManitowocCountyHistory.org.
Lakeshore League Vintage Base Ball Match
It’s the Lakeshore League Ball Tournament. The Museum’s vintage base ball team, The Manitowoc County Amateurs, unpack their woolen uniforms, brown balls, and double-knobbed bats to play in a 19th-century base ball game.
Family Baseball: Create-Connect Workshop
Learn how to make a hand-made leather baseball. An adult and child will work together to cut out, stitch, and craft their own leather baseball to use for play.
Union Park Neighborhood Historic Walking Tour
Union Park Neighborhood Historic Walking Tour
Tuesday, June 17 with Tours at 3 pm and 5 pm
Take a historic walk with us!
This 90 minute walking tour of the Union Park neighborhood in Manitowoc will bring to life the architectural styles, places, and people that called this area home.
Meet at location TBD.
Tours take place at 3 pm and 5 pm and are 90 minutes each.
About the The Union Park Neighborhood:
The land for "North Side Park" was donated by Manitowoc founder Benjamin Jones. A Victorian bandstand and ornate drinking fountain were once located in the center.
Following Fort Sumter, April, 1861, volunteers marched and drilled here preparing for service in the Union Army although they were without uniforms, weapons or a flag. On June 17, 1861 ladies from the village of Manitowoc presented the company with a handmade red, white and blue silk flag. Days later the 104 man militia unit left for Camp Randall, Madison where it became Co, A, 5th Wis. Volunteer Infantry Regiment. After 3 years and 26 battles with the Army of the Potomac, only 30 men would return home.
County support for the Union cause was strong. Businessmen donated money, ladies' groups collected supplies and blankets, and relief funds for indigent soldier families were established.
The park was renamed "Union Park" to honor the 2467 men from Manitowoc County who fought in the Civil War, 1861 - 65, to preserve the Union.
Advanced Registration Required
Museum Members: 15% discount
Attendees: $25 per person
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Heritage Maker's Market
Join historic artisans for a celebration of Wisconsin’s rich folk life traditions! Experience the sights, smells, music, and craftsmanship in this juried event featuring 19th Century artisans selling their wares and opportunities for hands-on creations.
Share the Museum Week
Share the Museum Days are just one of the many perks of being a Manitowoc County Historical Society Member. Members can show their friends and family just how special our museum is by bringing two guests for FREE to experience the stories of our past, and all of the fun programming that comes along with it!
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Mid-Summer Meltdown: Classic and Kustom Wheels
Grab an ice cream and check out pre-1966 cars, a Fire Engine exhibition, and music all while touring the historic Pinecrest Village. Catch the pin-up fashion show and maybe even hit the dance floor!
Summer Garden Tour: Members-Only
Come walk through our heirloom gardens (at their peak in the summertime!) with Historic Gardeners. They will be talking about heirloom vegetables, harvesting, herbs, everlastings, and deadheading.
Create-Connect: Blacksmithing: Items for the Home
Students will have the opportunity to make at least 2 of the following decorative projects for the home: dinner triangle, candleholders, hooks, or fire pit poker.
Hometown History Expo
Our Hometown History Expo aims to connect museum visitors with their local small museums, town historians, historical societies, and genealogy groups. Included in the cost of general museum admission, come out for a day of exciting local learning and participation in local history!
Tram Tour
Tram Tour
Friday, August 15 at 11 am until 1 pm
Saturday, September 13 at 11 am until 1 pm
Hop aboard the Tram Tour with one of our MCHS volunteers as we explore the Historic Village! Skip the walking from building to building as the tram takes you from place to place. The expected duration of the tour is approximately 2 hours.
This tour is ideal for individuals of all ages.
There is not an extra tram tour charge, just the cost of admission. The tram does have limited seating, so reservations are needed.
Please note: Member tram tours are held throughout the year as well! Visit our calendar!
Ticket Information
Museum Members: FREE
Adults: $15
Seniors (62+): $13
Youth (4 – 17): $10
Children under 4: FREE
Reservations are required – there are a limited number of spots available per tour. Please RSVP to our Engagement Manager at (920) 684-4445 or email GuestServices@ManitowocCountyHistory.org.
Triumph and Tragedy: Evergreen Cemetery Historic Walking Tour
Triumph and Tragedy: Evergreen Cemetery Historic Walking Tour
Wednesday, August 20 with Tours at 3 pm and 5 pm
Take a historic walk with us!
This 90 minute walking tour of Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc will highlight stories of triumph and tragedy in our community.
Meet at the Evergreen Cemetery office - 2221 Michigan Avenue, Manitowoc.
Tours take place at 3 pm and 5 pm and are 90 minutes each.
About Evergreen Cemetery:
In 1852, the Village of Manitowoc moved its city cemetery from N 8th & Park Streets to the current Evergreen Cemetery. The old cemetery was too small, due in part to an outbreak of cholera. The Village of Manitowoc purchased 10 acres from Benjamin Jones for a larger cemetery. The bodies from the original cemetery were eventually moved to the Evergreen Cemetery property. The first burial took place in 1853 of Judge Jeremiah Colby (the son-in-law of Benjamin Jones). Mr. Colby was the first lawyer to settle in the county, the first Manitowoc County judge, & the first postmaster.
Advanced Registration Required
Museum Members: 15% discount
Attendees: $25 per person
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Mid-Lakes Agricultural Fair and Thresheree
Come one, come all to the great Historic Exposition & Agricultural Fair! The event will feature all the things a 19th century and early 20th century agricultural fair would. Presented in partnership with the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club, enjoy threshing demonstrations, implement dealers with the ‘latest’ in farm equipment and technology, and other agriculture related demonstrations. Fairgoers will also experience sharpshooting contests, horse racing, baking, preserves, games, and more.
Tram Tour
Tram Tour
Saturday, September 13 at 11 am until 1 pm
Hop aboard the Tram Tour with one of our MCHS volunteers as we explore the Historic Village! Skip the walking from building to building as the tram takes you from place to place. The expected duration of the tour is approximately 2 hours.
This tour is ideal for individuals of all ages.
There is not an extra tram tour charge, just the cost of admission. The tram does have limited seating, so reservations are needed.
Please note: Member tram tours are held throughout the year as well! Visit our calendar!
Ticket Information
Museum Members: FREE
Adults: $15
Seniors (62+): $13
Youth (4 – 17): $10
Children under 4: FREE
Reservations are required – there are a limited number of spots available per tour. Please RSVP to our Engagement Manager at (920) 684-4445 or email GuestServices@ManitowocCountyHistory.org.
Tram Tour: Members-Only
Hop aboard the Tram Tour with MCHS Engagement Manager Devinne Fackelman as we explore the Historic Village! Discover the unique history of several buildings, delve into tales from the past, and gain insights into the Museum itself. This tour is ideal for members of all ages.
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Civil War School Day
Discover more about Manitowoc County during the Civil War! Participants learn how the soldiers and citizens of the Union lived during the conflict. Meet Civil War legends, watch cavalry and artillery demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities and tour Pinecrest Village's museum buildings. This program is open to all public, private, and home school students. Reservations are required.
Civil War Remembered
Join us as we step beyond the history books and the battlefield and onto the homefront to connect with the people, stories, and ideas that link Manitowoc County, Wisconsin to America’s greatest conflict – the Civil War.
Civil War Evening Lantern Tour and Dance
Become a part of history and join us for this one-night only event – a THREE in one special that includes a guided lantern tour of the Civil War encampment and village, exclusive experiences, and a Civil War era dance. This must see after-dark special event is like none other!
Scout Sunday
On Sunday, any youth (18 or under) Scout (Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) who comes to Civil War Days in his or her uniform will be given free admission.
Highlights from the Collection: Members-Only
Join MCHS for a one hour behind-the-scenes look on rarely seen items from the extensive collection of our local history. Delight in viewing unique objects seldom seen by the public and learn about their fascinating histories.
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Neighbors Free Weekend
On Friday October 17, and Saturday, October 18, we’re offering FREE admission to residents of Manitowoc County!
Neighbors Free Weekend is our way of acknowledging Museum neighbors and strengthening knowledge of our local history. Join us for a stroll through the Historic Village and discover the stories of our past.
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Community Craft Night
Community Craft Night
Third Thursdays from 5 pm - 7pm
January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21,
September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18
Craft in our beautiful setting!
Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work!
Learn more about our Heritage Trade School and Heritage Maker’s Market that inspired this program:
Admission Information
Museum Members: FREE
Non-Members: FREE (Donations appreciated)
Holiday Wassail Walking Tour
Purchase your VIP ticket to follow along on a guided 60 minute holiday wassail experience tour. Victorian novelists Washington Irving and Charles Dickens elevated this idealized view of what Christmas could be with warm and welcoming homes for families and friends to gather around the wassail bowl, as they might carol from house to house. At each home folks would give and receive a simple greeting. The toast, “was hail,” means be in good health or be fortunate. The reply “drink hail” was given.
You’ll knock on the doors of our historic houses and enjoy food and beverages along the way.
Pinecrest Christmas
Bundle up for a holiday visit to explore the season's traditions at the Manitowoc County Historical Society's Pinecrest Village. From lantern lit walks to a visit from Santa on Saturday, there is something for everyone as you venture into homes and businesses while they prepare for the holiday season.
Tis the Season: Themed Field Trip
Explore the intertwining of cultural celebrations, and reflect on how they color our current community’s festive season. Highlights include explorations of St. Lucy’s Day, a traditional tree lighting, and more. You may even encounter that jolly old elf, St. Nick!
Create-Connect: Holiday Blacksmithing
Students will have the opportunity to make at least 2 candy canes in the blacksmith shop
Museum Store Sunday
The Museum Store at the Manitowoc County Historical Society is thrilled to participate in this signature annual Museum Store Sunday and join museum stores worldwide by offering quality gifts filled with inspiration and educational value.
MCHS Members to the Historical Society's Museum Store will save 10% on everything in the store. This includes Pinecrest Historical Village blacksmithing crafts as well as books, toys, candy, Wisconsin items and local artwork. Gift wrapping will be available.
The Museum Store is located inside the Manitowoc County Historical Society's McAllister House Welcome Center, 924 Pinecrest Road in Manitowoc, and will be open from 10 am to 3 pm on December 1.
Purchases benefit the Manitowoc County Historical Society's mission to preserve and share our local history. Museums foster appreciation and knowledge of art, nature, culture, science, and history. When you purchase a gift from the museum store, you help to sustain the museum’s service to our community and the public.
Be A Patron on Museum Store Sunday and all year round. Shop knowing you are supporting the missions and programs of our local history.
Hungry for History: "The Wisconsin Supper Clubs Story" with Ron Faiola
Ron Faiola has been called “Wisconsin’s legacy filmmaker” and a “supper club guru.” His best selling book series, Wisconsin Supper Clubs: An Old Fashioned Experience (2013), and Wisconsin Supper Clubs: Another Round (2016), helped ignite supper club fever in the Badger State. He was awarded a gold medal from the Midwest Independent Publishers Association for his third book, The Wisconsin Supper Clubs Story: An Illustrated History, With Relish (2021). His recently released fourth book, Wisconsin Supper Clubs Second Edition, is an expanded and updated version of his first book.
Dine Fundraiser: Noodles and Company
Calling all pasta lovers! Dine with us at Noodles and Company to support the Manitowoc County Historical Society. Present the flyer below (either paper copy or on your smartphone) to cashier when checking out and 25% from your order will be donated to MCHS.
Autumn Historic Dining Experience: Supper at Sorenson
Gather at the Sorenson House table for a delightful, simple, historic supper. Enjoy the sites, sounds, and smells of a kitchen from days gone by. Mrs. Sorenson and her helpers will be glad to have you at their table. There is nothing they like better than a houseful of merriment.
At the table guests will be served a historic menu prepared by a local restaurant, in the comfort of the Sorenson house.
Hungry for History: Evergleams 101
Join Jordan Kabat (Dr. Evergleam) and Barb Bundy-Jost (Nurse Sparkle) to discover the rich history of the Aluminum Specialty Company, insider's tips for how to find your own Evergleam tree, and common repairs and TLC needed for these aluminum masterpieces.
All Hallow's Eve: Pinecrest Village Trick-or-Treat
All Hallow’s Eve: Pinecrest Village Trick or Treat
Join us for a ghoulishly good time!
Stroll the traffic-free streets of the Historic Village on this fun-filled October weekend. Historic homes and businesses will be distributing classic candy and, as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, allergy-safe non-food treats. Don’t miss our campfire where you can roast ‘ghost puffs’, our ooey-gooey marshmallows. Make your way to different historic porches where kids in costume can gather sweet treats, plus enjoy an assortment of other fall-fun activities!
Please note: bring your own candy containers! Children should be accompanied by adults. The event is rain or shine.
All Hallow’s Eve Trick or Treat is made possible by Community First Credit Union and Meijer.
General admission: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for youth 4-17, children under 4 years of age are free. General Admission is always free for members! You can purchase your tickets when you arrive or pre-purchase your admission tickets.
Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!
Fall Foliage Run
Get out those traditional, pre-1966 cars and drive! Meet up at 11am on the Village Green at Pinecrest Village. Coffee and donuts will be available as supplies last. At noon we will make a lap around the village head out on a scenic cruise around the county to take in the sites nature has in store for us. We will end back at the village around 2pm.
Create Connect: Coffee and Doughnuts Workshop
Can you imagine a better combo than coffee and doughnuts?
Learn how to roast your own coffee and fry your own doughnuts the 19th century way! Using historical techniques and ingredients, guests will get to make and eat their own brunch-time treats.
Spirited History Lantern Tours (SOLD OUT)
From authentic 19th-century pioneer ghost stories to modern-day encounters, costumed storytellers share unnerving tales on this Pinecrest Village ghost tour.
Food, Forage, and Flame: Homeschool Family Field Trip
How was food grown, gathered, cooked, and preserved at the turn of the 20th century? Visit the kitchens, gardens, and farms throughout the Historic Village to find out. Plus, gather round to smell the cooking in action, learn how to build an outdoor fire, and so much more!
Historic St. Nazianz Walking Tour
As you walk along the streets of St. Nazianz with local history guides from the St. Nazianz Area Historical Society, you’ll learn about the rich history of the community.
Create-Connect: Family Blacksmithing
This class will allow a parent/grandparent to work with a child as they learn historic blacksmithing techniques in a historic setting.
Dine Fundraiser: A&W Share Night
Indulge in your favorite treat from A&W, whether it’s cheese curds or a root beer float, to support MCHS! Dine with us between 4 pm and 8 pm and 10% of the proceeds from your order will be donated to MCHS.
4-H and FFA Sunday
Arrive at the McAllister House Welcome Center dressed in your 4-H or FFA uniform, organization jackets, or group t-shirt and receive free admission. Group leaders are also admitted free. You may arrive at any time during day.
Closed for Labor Day
The Manitowoc County Historical Society is closed on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1.
The Museum will be open for regular hours beginning on Wednesday, September 4, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Evergreen Cemetery Walking Tour (Sold out)
This 90 minute walking tour of Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc will bring to life the interesting and often unknown stories of souls interred there.
Closed for Staff Training
The Manitowoc County Historical Society is closed on Wednesday, August 14 for staff and volunteer training.
The Museum will be open for regular hours beginning on Thursday, August 15, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Create-Connect: Blacksmithing: The Great Outdoors
Students will have the opportunity to make one of the following outdoor projects to enjoy: hoof pick, lantern/plant hooks, or fire pit poker.
Camp Pinecrest: Civil War (Age 6 - 12)
Go beyond the pages of history books to bring local Civil War era stories to life during this 2 day camp. The camp will consist of activities that relate to the American Civil War, both in battle and on the home front.
Create-Connect: All About Cheese
Join veteran cheese maker Mark Stecker to find out how simple it is to make cheese, what makes for a good cheese, and sample several simple styles of cheese.
Create-Connect: Basic Blacksmithing with Teens (SOLD OUT)
This class will invite teens to learn historic blacksmithing techniques in a historic setting. Everyone will get to make several small, hands-on projects, such as small dinner triangles and hooks.
Camp Pinecrest: In the Kitchen (Age 10 - 16)
Roll up your sleeves as we head into the kitchens of our historic homes. You’ll make recipes and bring samples home for your family to enjoy.
Camp Pinecrest: Life As A Pioneer (Age 6 - 12)
Discover what daily life was like for kids living at the turn of the 20th century! From household chores to school lessons and taking part in hands-on activities in historic trades – this summer camp is packed with old-fashioned fun!
Create-Connect: Blacksmithing Basics
The class is designed to give someone with little or no metal working skills as a hands-on, fun “be a blacksmith for a day” experience. Explore the basics of forge work in a blacksmith shop while making a decorative “S” hook to hang in your home
Camp Pinecrest: Makesmith (Age 10 - 16)
It is time to be an apprentice! Follow alongside our blacksmiths, carpenters, dressmaker, cheese maker, and printer as you learn about these trades and try your hand at making your own projects.
The Longest Day
6/21/24 Update: The Longest Day program, scheduled for Friday, June 21, has been postponed due to the forecasted weather. The program will be held on Wednesday, July 10!
June 21 is considered the summer solstice and the longest daylight of the year. For those living with dementia and their loved ones, every day is often the longest day of the year.
The Museum and Village will be open for extended hours, free of charge - with donations appreciated for the Historical Society’s SPARK! program. (Learn more about the SPARK! program!)
Trams will be available for guests needed assistance to see and tour Pinecrest Village.
Who can attend this program: Anyone! Families living with dementia, and all guests, may attend this FREE after-hours opportunity to visit the Museum and Village.
There will also be information tables set up to learn more about the SPARK! program and other community resources for families living with dementia. Other activities include: Kids hands-on toys, historic skills demos, and more.