DCHS Office Open House
2026-04-22 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | DCHS Office, 130 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
Join us for an open house and explore our new office space. Learn more about the Door County Historical Society, our work throughout Door County, and how we’re planning to celebration out 100th anniversary. Light appetizers and drinks will be available. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing what’s ahead.

April Dine & Discover Program
2026-04-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Al Johnson’s Restaurant, 10698 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI, 54234
Join us for an engaging Dine & Discover program as Steve Jorns explores the rich history of maple syrup production. Steve will begin by sharing the story of his own family’s connection to maple sugaring before stepping back in time to discuss how Native Americans first discovered and produced maple syrup. From there, he will trace the evolution of maple sugaring—from the traditional methods used generations ago to the techniques used today—and even offer a glimpse into what the future of maple syrup production may hold.

Historic Tea
2026-05-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235

May Dine & Discover Program - The History of Draeb Jewelry
2026-05-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Door Country Event Center, 7153 Hwy 42 57, Sturgeon bay, WI, 54235
Join George Draeb for a look back at the history of Draeb Jewelry, a long-standing Sturgeon Bay business that has served the community for generations. George will share the story of how the family business began, how it grew over the years, and the role it has played in the lives of local residents. Through personal stories and historical insight, this program offers a unique glimpse into the legacy of one of Sturgeon Bay’s most familiar and trusted establishments.

Community History Quilt Project
2026-06-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Create your own block in Door County Historical Society’s Quilt Project. With the assistance of quilter, Terry Myra, you will make your own square to join other quilt squares in this unique creation. Kids will have quilt coloring pages to enjoy.

History Days Kick-Off Event
2026-06-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
The Heritage Alliance of Door County kicks off History Days – a week dedicated to history programming across the county. Listen to a speaker in the Collins Learning Center at 10am, then stroll back in time at Heritage Village and learn from all the historic organizations in Door County. While you’re there watch blacksmith demonstrations, learn about old tools, tours our historic buildings, and learn about the Declaration of Independence in our schoolhouse. Leave a note to display to share what the document means to you!

America@250 - Community Conversations
2026-06-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
History isn’t just about the past—it’s also about the conversations we have today.
During two different America@250 Community Conversations, participants will view thematic clips from The American Revolution, the new documentary series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, before engaging in guided small-group discussions.
These welcoming conversations are designed to bring people together to listen, learn, and reflect on topics such as citizenship, volunteerism, military service, civic participation, public leadership, and what it means to be an American. Participants do not need to be history experts—just willing to share, listen, and learn from one another. This event is free and open to the public.

Hands-on History Walk
2026-06-18 11:30 - 12:30 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Learn about the historic buildings at Heritage Village during this guided hike. Participants will view a special display on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, taste samples of Door County’s Sweet Mountain Farm honey, and learn about old-time tools at the Madden Tool Museum.

Patriotic Pies
2026-06-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Pies have been part of history since Ancient Egypt, but what make’s American pies so yummy? Take a tasty journey through the history of what makes pie a staple in our American way of life. You will taste several Door County pies and take home recipe cards. Bring stories of your family’s favorite pie recipe to share. Beverages will be provided.

June Dine & Discover - The Making of the Book "Eagle Bluff Lighthouse"
2026-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | WI
Join authors Barb and Ken Wardius for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a historical book about Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. They will share insights into the research process, the sources and materials they relied on, and the discoveries made along the way. The program will also feature several rare historical images that help bring the lighthouse’s story to life. This special program comes just four days before the grand reopening of Eagle Bluff Light Station on June 26, offering a perfect opportunity to learn more about the lighthouse and the stories behind its history before the celebration.

Grand Opening Celebration at Eagle Bluff Light Station
2026-06-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Eagle Bluff Light Station, 10249 Shore Road, Fish Creek, WI, 54212, United States
Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of Eagle Bluff Light Station—marking the completion of its remarkable restoration and a new chapter in its history. Enjoy a full day of free tours, live music, demonstrations, book signings, and family-friendly activities. Explore the newly restored buildings, experience expanded exhibits, and be part of a special presentation featuring Governor Evers. It’s a day to honor the past, celebrate the present, and welcome visitors back to this iconic Door County landmark.

Heritage Garden Art
2026-06-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Create a colorful drawn or painted wreath using the Heritage Garden for inspiration. Materials will be supplied for the project. Enjoyment for all ages. This will be the first in our monthly Heritage Garden Art projects.

Root Beer Festival
2026-07-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Each year on the second Saturday of July, the Door County Historical Society hosts Root Beer Festival at Heritage Village. The village comes alive with costumed interpreters, live demonstrations, hands-on activities, historic games, and live music—all in celebration of root beer.
Guests can enjoy root beer tastings, root beer floats, and even see how root beer is brewed. You’ll also learn about the rich history behind this beloved beverage.
It’s a family-friendly event filled with old-fashioned fun and a great way to support local history. Proceeds benefit the preservation of Heritage Village.

Victorian Secrets
2026-07-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Thanks to a generous grant from the Raibrook Foundation, we’re pleased to welcome guest speaker Leslie Bellais, former Curator of Social History at the Wisconsin Historical Museum, for a presentation titled “Victorian Secrets.” Discover the history of women’s undergarments, how changing social and cultural norms influenced their design, and how the experiences of rural women often differed from those in urban communities.

HV Sign Dedication & Project Recognition
2026-07-25 11:30 - 12:30 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Celebrate Heritage Village’s new interpretive signs and other renovation projects, Lemonade and cookies!

Monthly Garden Art Program
2026-07-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Flower Pounding!
Use petals and leaves from the Heritage Village garden to create a one of a kind work of art. Materials supplied.

July Dine & Discover Program - The Caves of Door County
2026-07-27 18:00 - 20:00 | WI
Join Gary Soule for an exciting journey beneath the rock spine of Door County as he explores the fascinating underground world of caves. Through a captivating slide presentation, Gary will highlight the major caves found throughout the peninsula. Framed displays will reveal the true extent and full history of Horseshoe Bay Cave, while Eagle Cave in Peninsula State Park will also be featured. Get ready to grab your helmet and lights and prepare to enter the hidden belly of Door County!

August Dine & Discover Program
2026-08-24 18:00 - 20:00 | WI
Details TBD

September Dine & Discover Program - Hail to the Prophet King of Beaver Island
2026-09-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Lodge at Leathem Smith, 1640 Memorial Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
The story of James Jesse Strang is one of the most unusual and fascinating chapters of frontier life in the Midwest. Over the course of his remarkable life, Strang rose to prominence as a Mormon prophet, crowned himself King of Beaver Island, served as Grand Primate of the Halcyon Order of the Illuminati, became a Michigan state legislator, and was even accused of piracy. Drawing from sources such as Strang’s encrypted diaries and accounts of his strict rule on Beaver Island, this program explores how a young man from rural New York transformed himself into one of the most controversial and intriguing figures in Midwestern history.

October Dine & Discover Program
2026-10-26 08:00 - 17:00 | WI

November Dine & Discover Program
2026-11-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1756 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
