Door County Historical Society

Vintage Halloween Decorations
2025-10-18 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Black cats, pumpkinheads, and other whimsical figures were among the first spooky faces to appear on Halloween decorations. At this program, you’ll learn about the history of vintage Halloween décor, enjoy a seasonal treat, and even take home your own decoration kit. This family-friendly event is best suited for adults and children ages 10 and up.

Eagle Bluff Light Station Open
2025-10-19 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-20 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-21 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-22 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-23 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-24 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Eagle Bluff Light Station, 10249 Shore Road, Fish Creek, WI, 54212, United States
Step into the world of Eagle Bluff’s light keepers and experience life at the lighthouse from 1868-1926. Discover their daily routines, family life, and the dedication it took to keep the light shining.
Admission is $6/person
Door County Historical Society members and US Military are free.

Heritage Village Open
2025-10-19 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-22 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-23 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-24 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Step back in time at Heritage Village. Explore nine historic buildings, stroll scenic paths, and watch live demonstrations that bring the past to life. Discover how Door County’s European settlers build their communities and shaped local history.
Adults – $6
Age 3-17 – $3
Family cap of $18
Door County Historical Society members are always free!

October Dine & Discover Program
2025-10-27 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Door County Fire Company, 38 S Third Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Our October program, Where History Meets Habitat: Protecting Door County’s Living History, will feature Emily Wood, executive director of the Door County Land Trust, which protects and stewards over 10,000 acres of habitat across Door County and its islands. Emily will share how the Land Trust has worked to protect the county’s natural heritage through conservation initiatives, land stewardship, and community engagement. More than protecting land, conservation is about safeguarding the places people love so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

November Dine & Discover Program
2025-11-24 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1756 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
On Monday, November 24, we will welcome members of the Jarosh family—J.R., Jon, Sue, and Joe—who will share the fascinating story of the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club. For the past 39 years, the club has celebrated New Year’s Day with an icy plunge into Lake Michigan at Lakeside Park in Jacksonport. The evening’s presentation will highlight the club’s remarkable growth and memorable moments over the years.

A Glimpse of Christmas Past
2025-12-05 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-06 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-12 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-13 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-19 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-20 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-26 15:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-27 15:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Step back in time and experience the magic of the holidays at Heritage Village! Each historic building will be beautifully decorated by local nonprofits in period-appropriate style. Tour the Village, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate in the Greene Store, and vote for your favorite display with a donation. Admission is free—donations support the Door County Historical Society’s mission to preserve and share our county’s rich history.

Recorders on the Door
2025-12-12 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Heritage Village will welcome a special musical guest during A Glimpse of Christmas Past: Recorders on the Door, performing live on Friday, December 12 from 4:00–5:00 p.m. Their visit brings an extra layer of warmth to an already festive weekend, and we’re delighted to share their talent with our guests.
This local ensemble performs on the full family of recorders—soprano, alto, tenor, and bass—creating a rich, blended sound that fills each historic building with charm. Their repertoire spans many centuries, offering melodies that connect the holidays of today with traditions long ago. It’s the perfect fit for Heritage Village, where every corner tells a story from the past.

Reading of A Christmas Carol
2025-12-12 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-19 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Heritage Village, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
Experience the joy of the season with a full reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at Heritage Village. Let the timeless words awaken your imagination as readers Carrie Counihan, Isabella Dippel, Ross Dippel, and Escher Wentz bring the story to life, accompanied by the enchanting cello of Freddie Witt.
This free event follows the Door County Historical Society’s “A Glimpse of Christmas Past” and will be held at the Vignes School.

February Dine & Discover Program
2026-02-28 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club, 600 Nautical Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
Enjoy an engaging midday program at the Door County Historical Society’s February Dine & Discover luncheon on February 28 at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club. Featuring Jenna Ferdon of Birch Creek Music Performance Center, this program explores 50 seasons of performance-based music education, along with a special “Highlights of Our History” segment in honor of DCHS’s 100th anniversary. Lunch included. Registration required. Program participation and donations support the Door County Historical Society and help our work continue to grow.

March Dine & Discover Program
2026-03-28 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Door County Maritime Museum, 120 N Madison Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
Our March luncheon features Kevin Osgood, President & CEO of the Door County Maritime Museum. He will give his presentation titled, Sturgeon Bay’s Complicated Ending of WWII.
Before World War I, Sturgeon Bay’s economy was mainly agricultural, with shipbuilding playing only a small role. World War II transformed the city into a booming shipbuilding center, as four shipyards built vessels for the War Department and thousands of workers poured in from across the region. Ships constructed there served in combat zones around the world. When the war ended and contracts were canceled, shipyard leaders quickly pivoted, helping steer the Door Peninsula toward a tourism-driven future that would shape it for generations.

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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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.
