This is a celebration we want to share with our entire community!
On Wednesday, September 9 at 3:30 p.m., the Door County Historical Society will receive the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History from the Wisconsin Historical Society during a special ceremony at Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay.
And you are invited to celebrate with us!
The Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy is presented annually to just one Wisconsin Historical Society affiliate in recognition of continued excellence in collecting, preserving, and sharing history and outstanding service to its community.
For the Door County Historical Society, this award recognizes the work that happens throughout our organization—from preserving historic buildings and caring for collections to creating exhibits, presenting programs, conducting research, and sharing the stories that make Door County unique.
But more importantly, it recognizes the people who make that work possible.
For generations, DCHS members, volunteers, donors, board members, staff, community partners, and supporters have given their time, talents, resources, and enthusiasm to preserving Door County history.
This trophy belongs to all of us.
Receiving the Thwaites Trophy would be exciting in any year, but its presentation in 2026—the Door County Historical Society’s 100th anniversary year—makes the honor particularly meaningful.
For a century, DCHS has worked to ensure that Door County’s history is not forgotten. As we celebrate 100 years of that work, this statewide recognition provides an extraordinary opportunity to honor what generations before us accomplished—and look forward to what comes next.
The public is warmly invited to join us on Wednesday, September 9 at 3:30 p.m. at Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay.
Representatives of the Wisconsin Historical Society will formally present the trophy to DCHS during a brief ceremony. Afterward, stick around and celebrate with us over cake and refreshments!
There is no admission charge to attend, and you do not need to be a DCHS member. Whether you have been involved with the Historical Society for decades, recently discovered us, or simply care about Door County and its history, we would love to have you there.
This is a momentous occasion for the Door County Historical Society—and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than surrounded by the community that has made our first 100 years possible.
Please join us September 9 at 3:30 p.m. and help us celebrate!