There is a lot to celebrate at the Door County Historical Society this year. Not only are we marking our 100th anniversary, but DCHS has also been selected to receive two prestigious statewide awards from the Wisconsin Historical Society!
On Wednesday, September 9, representatives from the Wisconsin Historical Society will join us in Door County for a special day of recognition—and we hope you’ll help us celebrate.
Historic Rehabilitation Award at Eagle Bluff Light Station
The day begins at 1:00 p.m. at Eagle Bluff Light Station in Peninsula State Park, where DCHS will receive a Historic Rehabilitation Award recognizing the recently completed restoration and rehabilitation of the lighthouse.
The award recognizes outstanding work to preserve Wisconsin’s historic properties, and we are incredibly proud to have the Eagle Bluff project recognized among the best preservation efforts in the state.
Over the past several years, an extraordinary amount of work has taken place at Eagle Bluff. The keeper’s residence, tower, oil house, and privy have been restored, while the historic barn and summer kitchen have been reconstructed. Together, these projects have transformed the site while preserving the history and character that make Eagle Bluff so special.
The 1:00 p.m. ceremony will be a smaller gathering recognizing the partners, supporters, craftspeople, volunteers, and organizations that helped make the restoration possible.
But that’s only the beginning of our Awards Day celebration!
The Big Celebration: Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy at Heritage Village
At 3:30 p.m., we’ll gather at Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay for an honor that recognizes not just one project, but the work of the entire Door County Historical Society.
DCHS has been selected to receive the 2026 Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History.
Presented annually to just one Wisconsin Historical Society affiliate, the Thwaites Trophy recognizes continued excellence in collecting, preserving, and sharing history and outstanding service to the community.
In other words, this one is about all of us.
It recognizes the volunteers who give countless hours at our historic sites and programs. The members and donors who make our work possible. The board and committee members who help guide the organization. Our community partners who work alongside us. And the generations of people who have believed that Door County’s history is worth saving and sharing.
Receiving the Thwaites Trophy would be an honor in any year. Receiving it during the Door County Historical Society’s 100th anniversary makes it especially meaningful.
Please Join the Celebration!
We want to share this moment with the community that made it possible.
Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy Celebration
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
3:30 p.m.
Heritage Village
2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay
The afternoon will include the formal presentation of the Thwaites Trophy, remarks from DCHS and Wisconsin Historical Society representatives, and a reception following the ceremony.
DCHS members, volunteers, supporters, community organizations, local history enthusiasts, and members of the public are all invited.
For 100 years, people throughout Door County have helped the Door County Historical Society preserve the places, artifacts, photographs, documents, and stories that tell our collective history.
This award belongs to all of you. Come celebrate it with us!