As we celebrate the Door County Historical Society’s 100th Anniversary, we’ve received some exciting news that makes this milestone year even more special.
The Wisconsin Historical Society Board of Curators has honored the Door County Historical Society with two prestigious statewide awards—recognition not only of what we’ve accomplished, but of what our entire community has made possible.
The Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History
The first honor is the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History, the Wisconsin Historical Society’s highest award for affiliated local historical organizations.
Presented annually to just one organization in the state, the award recognizes sustained excellence in collecting, preserving, and sharing local history. It celebrates organizations that make a lasting impact through education, historic preservation, exhibits, publications, community partnerships, and public programming. Receiving this award during our centennial year is especially meaningful.
The trophy is named for a famous past leader of the State Historical Society. Reuben Gold Thwaites was an editor and historian in the late 1800s. He helped start a network of local history groups across the state.
The rotating prize is a big deal in the state. People call it the “Stanley Cup” of local history. Winning groups keep the trophy for one year and cannot win again for 25 years.
For the Door County Historical Society, this award reflects the dedication of generations of volunteers, members, donors, staff, board members, and supporters who have helped build the Door County Historical Society over the past 100 years.
Honoring the Restoration of Eagle Bluff Light Station
Our second recognition is the Historic Rehabilitation Award for the restoration of Eagle Bluff Light Station.
This award honors outstanding efforts to protect and rehabilitate Wisconsin’s historic places. The Eagle Bluff project transformed one of Wisconsin’s most beloved lighthouses through the restoration of the keeper’s residence and light tower, reconstruction of the historic barn and summer kitchen, restoration of the oil house and privy, and the careful return of the site to its appearance during the Duclon family era.
This remarkable achievement was years in the making. It required careful planning, generous fundraising, countless volunteer hours, skilled craftsmen, dedicated preservation professionals, and the support of foundations, government partners, and hundreds of individual donors.
Today, visitors can experience Eagle Bluff Light Station much as the Duclon family would have known it more than a century ago.
These Awards Belong to All of You
While the awards bear the Door County Historical Society’s name, they truly belong to our entire community.
Every membership purchased. Every volunteer hour given. Every artifact donated. Every grant written. Every school group welcomed. Every event attended. Every dollar contributed.
Together, you’ve helped preserve Door County’s history and ensure it will continue to inspire future generations.
As Executive Director Amy Frank shared:
“These awards celebrate what we’ve accomplished together over the past 100 years. They remind us that preserving history isn’t just about protecting old buildings or collecting artifacts—it’s about connecting people to the stories that define our community.”
Thank You
As we look ahead to our next century, we’re filled with gratitude.
Thank you to our members, volunteers, donors, staff, board of directors, community partners, visitors, and friends. Thank you for believing that history matters.
These awards are a wonderful reminder that when a community comes together to preserve its past, everyone benefits.
Here’s to the next 100 years of preserving, sharing, and celebrating the remarkable history of Door County!