Liberty Grove Historical Society

06/23/2026

06/21/2026

Step into Door County’s rich past with the Heritage Trail Pass!

This self-guided mobile experience takes you to 32 historic and cultural sites across the peninsula, from iconic lighthouses and maritime museums to historic chapels, museums, and local landmarks. New this year, you can also discover additional historical markers along the way for even more opportunities to explore Door County's heritage.

As you check in at participating locations, you'll earn points toward prizes, including a custom Heritage Trail pin and an illustrated Door County poster.

Whether you visit a few stops or complete the entire trail, the Heritage Trail Pass is a fun way to connect with the people, places, and stories that shaped Door County.

Start your journey today at doorcounty.com/heritage-trail

06/20/2026

Some dancing!

06/20/2026

Folk Alliance of Door County brought the fun on Opening Day! Thank you for the dancing and the music.

06/16/2026

WALKING DOWN MEMORY LANE

Historical societies provide a unique opportunity for visitors. ARE YOU…?
• Drawn to the unknown mysteries of the past.
• Dragged along with friends or family.
• Delighting in the younger generation’s reaction to life without technology.
• Curious about Liberty Grove ancestors.
• Searching for a cool breeze on Ellison Hill or the expansive view in the summer heat.

Here are some treasures just waiting for you this summer at LGHS. Docents will be in the historic buildings beginning THIS SATURDAY from 10 to 4 and then every Saturday & Thursday from 10 to 2 until October 12. You can also arrange a private tour. There are self-guided walking tour guides at www.libertygrovehistorical.org

06/16/2026

The first program of the 2026 season: Newport State Park’s Beth Bartoli, Losing the Dark: How Do We Protect Our Dark Skies?

06/11/2026

We hope you will join us for our Season Opening! Please come for a Barn Dance with "Sugar on the Floor" of the Door County Folk Alliance from 2-4.

06/11/2026

🎤 Meet our History Days Keynote Speaker, Dr. Eric Morgan!

Join us as we kick off History Days with a presentation from Dr. Morgan, Associate Professor of History and Democracy & Justice Studies at UW–Green Bay and Editor-in-Chief of Voyageur: Northeast Wisconsin's Historical Review.

With expertise in modern American and African history, Dr. Morgan brings a unique perspective on how the past shapes our communities and our world today.

📅 June 15, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Heritage Village at Big Creek

This special presentation launches a week of history-focused events across Door County. We hope you'll join us as we celebrate the stories, people, and places that make our community unique.

06/11/2026

An exciting week of Door County History!

5th Annual Door County History Days Celebration June 9, 2026 by Laurel Ciohon Local Historical Societies Honor “America at 250” Semiquincentennial with Week-long Schedule of Special Programs by Local Historical Societies Door County, Wis. (June 9, 2026) – For the fifth consecutive year, dozens...

06/09/2026

WHERE’S YOUR TRACTOR?

Putt-putt-putt can still be heard as participants drive their tractors to the Liberty Grove Historical Society campus atop Ellison Bay hill. Everyone is welcome to come explore the historic agricultural equipment sitting in the south field along Hwy 42. Better yet, join the fun at the Antique Tractor & Arts Festival July 25 & 26!

Over 159 years ago August Johnson (1849-1940) began clearing the virgin forest to prepare his fields for planting. His growing family helped clear more fields. His eldest daughter Ella (1883-1965) bought the homestead farm with her husband Albert Hanson (1891-1979) and continued the labor-intensive work of managing the farm with their sons. Their youngest, Russell (1821-2008), purchased the homestead with his new bride Virginia Kramer (1924-2022) in 1943. The loss of the historic Johnson barn on 2 August 1959 changed, not only the look of the Century Farm, but Russ’ work and hobbies. In addition to the family horse Russ and his family raised 35 Shetland ponies. The white barn soon was filled with vintage Ford tractors, cars and boats.

Russ appreciated the development of tractors and machinery that eased his farm work and then his new excavation business in 1963. He bought his first Ford Tractor in the spring of 1942 from George Rankin. “He told his Mother he just couldn’t farm with a team of horses anymore and that he was going to buy a tractor.” (Virginia Hanson’s book “The Russell Hanson Homestead, 1873-2010”, p96.)

In 2001 the Ellison Bay Women’s Club featured the barn on its Second Annual Barn Walk as a community fundraiser. Russ started thinking about how he could share the rich farm story of northern Door County with people from all paths of life. He and Virginia sold 14.93 acres to LGHS on 16 June 2003. Their legacy continues thanks to the donors and volunteers who continue to share the story. We look forward to seeing you this summer!