Our History

On October 1, 1926, twenty community members, led by Hjalmar R Holand, gathered at the Door County Courthouse with a simple but ambitious idea—to create an organization dedicated to preserving the history of Door County. With all but one person in favor, the Door County Historical Society was officially established. For nearly a century, the Society has remained committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories that have shaped our community.

From the very beginning, the Society championed projects that honored Door County's heritage. Early efforts included the creation of historical monuments and markers throughout the peninsula, such as the totem pole in Peninsula State Park, the memorial to pioneers who perished in the Peshtigo Fire of 1871, and the historic marker commemorating the believed landing site of French explorer Robert La Salle at Clay Banks. These preservation efforts also helped inspire the establishment of Door County's park system.

In 1938, the Society played a leading role in fundraising for the construction of the Door County Museum in Sturgeon Bay. Since then, the Society has continued to partner with Door County to support the museum's mission of preserving and sharing the county's rich history.

One of the Society's most significant accomplishments began in 1960 with the restoration of the Eagle Bluff Light Station. After three years of dedicated volunteer effort, the lighthouse opened as a museum in 1964—becoming one of the first restored lighthouse museums on the Great Lakes. Today, the Door County Historical Society continues to operate the site, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to experience life at one of Wisconsin's most iconic lighthouses.

The Society expanded its preservation efforts again in 1993 with the creation of Heritage Village. Beginning with the relocation of a historic fish house to the grounds at Crossroads at Big Creek, the site has grown into a living history village featuring eight restored historic buildings that tell the story of everyday life in Door County's past.

In 2009, the Board of Directors formally adopted the Society's mission:

The Door County Historical Society collects, maintains, and shares the history and heritage of Door County through preservation, education, and programming.

While the wording evolved, the mission itself has remained unchanged since 1926.

Throughout its history, the Door County Historical Society has presented educational programs, lectures, exhibits, and special events; supported historical research and publications; preserved thousands of artifacts and archival materials; and contributed to community preservation efforts, including support for the Door County Maritime Museum and countless local history initiatives.

As we celebrate our second century, the Society continues to preserve the places, stories, and artifacts that connect us to our past—ensuring that Door County's history remains accessible, meaningful, and inspiring for generations to come.