Thanks to a generous grant from the Women’s Fund of Door County, we are thrilled to celebrate notable Wisconsin women with three special events spanning the summer. These events will take place on the last Saturday of July, August, and September 2024 at Heritage Village. Each program will begin at 1 pm, is free to the public, and will highlight the extraordinary contributions and diverse experiences of Wisconsin women.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable women who have shaped Wisconsin’s history. Your presence will help honor their legacies and inspire future generations. Together, we can continue to preserve and share the rich history of our community. For more details about these events, please visit our website or contact us directly. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to seeing you at Heritage Village this summer!
Saturday, July 27
A Visit from Laura Ingalls Wilder
The first event in this series will feature Jessica Michna from "First Impressions, Remember the Ladies" interpretation company. She will portray Laura Ingalls Wilder, of "Little House on the Prairie" fame, in DCHS's historic Vignes Schoolhouse. This first-person interactive interpretation will help younger audience members and those young at heart discover women's history in a brand-new way.
Saturday, August 31
Janet Newman on Letters from Clara
Acclaimed author Janet Newman will introduce attendees to Clara Pagel, an inspiring woman who embarked on a solo world tour at the age of 40 on the eve of World War II. Through Clara’s letters, Newman shares stories of adventure and resilience, providing a unique look at one of Wisconsin’s pioneering solo female travelers. This event promises to be both educational and inspiring, shedding light on Clara’s remarkable journey and the broader context of women's experiences during a tumultuous time in history.
Sunday, September 29
Staged Reading of Miss Lulu Bett by Zona Gale
Zona Gale, a Wisconsin novelist and playwright, made history as the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The series will culminate with a staged reading of her acclaimed play Miss Lulu Bett in the Vignes Schoolhouse. Costumed actors will bring Gale’s characters to life, and a talkback session will follow, encouraging the audience to connect the performance with their own experiences. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience Gale’s powerful storytelling and to reflect on the social issues she addressed through her work.
Fall Exhibit
We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting
Additionally, this fall, Heritage Village will display the Wisconsin Historical Society's exhibit "We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting." This exhibit will provide an in-depth look at the struggles and triumphs of Wisconsin women in the fight for voting rights, offering visitors a chance to learn about the critical role women played in shaping our state's political landscape.