Manitowoc County A to Z Exhibit

Diverse venues throughout our community are partnering with the Manitowoc County Historical Society is host our traveling exhibit. This traveling exhibit is a great way to introduce your organization or group to the stories of our past.

Follow along as you explore our local history with 26 stories of people, places, and events that have made our community. The exhibit comes with a teacher's guide with various activities aimed at Grade 1 through 4. The exhibit is displayed on durable pop-up banners suitable for a variety of venues and, aside from transportation costs, are free to hosting organizations. The exhibit is comprised of 7 retractable banners, measuring 78" by 33". 

Below is a sample:

C is for Circus

During the depths of the Great Depression, Manitowoc residents could see a circus every day at the world’s only training school for clowns.  In 1925, Billy Schultz (1880-1958) hurt his back after a 25-year career as an acrobatic clown.  He went home to Manitowoc and when a Boy Scout troop leader asked him to organize a circus for the scouts, Schultz happily agreed. The kids were so excited that they urged him to start a public class at the local vocational school.  Schultz’s clown school quickly grew into a full-blown circus academy, with classes in everything from trapeze work to face paint.  Boys and girls ages 10 to 27 were eligible, and the school was so popular that Schultz had to limit enrollment to 65 students per year.  Within five years, his graduates were so well-regarded that major circuses regularly visited Manitowoc to recruit talent.

"Manitowoc County A to Z" is made possible by the Shopko Foundation and generous supporters to the Society's Education Fund.

The exhibit can be rented for up to 4 weeks.  A donation is suggested. Please call MCHS at (920) 684-4445 or email Education@manitowoccountyhistory.org with any questions. Please fill out our Exhibit Reservation Form to reserve the exhibit.