Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society, Inc.

09/04/2026

Sponsors Welcome:
Pelham's Battery will be joining us Sept 25 and 26th as we wrap up our 2026 Season at the Museum.
They are bringing their cannons! We need support to pay for the cost of the powder/bounty; each blast costs $200. We are planning three demos; one for the kids on Friday and two on Saturday. If you/your business would like to be a sponsor, contact us. Or donate on our website.

The Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society provides educational programming and events promoting local history and advocating for preservation. The organization maintains and manages the Aztalan Pioneer Village and Museum that is open to the public every weekend in the summer.

08/29/2026

Many in Jefferson County have been notified or have learned of the BECI/MGS 765kV proposed line routes.
As property owners submit their impact statements to the company MGS by September 7, 2026, please don't forget if you have a potential historic property to note that in your comment.
The Jefferson County Historic Sites Preservation Council has been working on an interactive map of historic sites that recognizes them at the local, state and national level. While the interactive map is still under construction, it could still be helpful determining if your property is considered historic. Below is the link to the map. For areas that are not yet populated with map pins, you can also search the Wisconsin Historical Society property registry. Link and the comments.
Also note that the historical information has not yet been populated to most of the pins in this map that will come at a later date as we have funding for an additional intern at the County Parks Department. But the pins are still valid. Indications of historic sites.
This project, to our understanding, would still need to follow burial laws for cemeteries and Native American Burial Mounds. PSC does prioritize avoiding historic sites if possible for projects like this, so please use your voice to encourage preservation of our historic sites here in Jefferson County!

Jefferson County Historic Sites Preservation Council

The Jefferson County Historic Sites Interactive GIS Map offers a dynamic way to explore the county’s architectural, industrial, social, and pre‑European heritage. Each mapped location includes a brief description and links to supporting information, and the map continues to grow as new stories, ...

08/27/2026

Did you know one of Lake Mills own was part of this movement? Mrs. Oatway ( noted in picture in comments), the former maid in the E.J.Fargo home, later the wife of the a Lake Mills physician, noted for his part in receiving the gifted cannon that once stood in Commons Park and as the doctor who tended to EJ Fargo's second wife who some believe, died mysteriously, Addie Hoyt Fargo. They moved to Waukesha in the early 1900s across the street from the Carroll University campus (formally Carroll College) where she fought for the Women's Vote along with many others including Mrs. Youmans.

08/26/2026

Native American Techniques Demonstration (outdoors)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2026 @ 1:00pm
Presented by Donald Clarke

Donald Clarke, long time veteran of many rendezvous re-enactments, will demonstrate various Native American techniques for hide tanning, string and cord making from natural fiber, turning tree bark into baskets and quills, bow making, and fire starting.

Mr. Clarke, a nonagenarian, will amaze our audience with his knowledge, agility, and dexterity. For many years he has amazed school groups, scout troops, and countless others employing the methods used by the Iroquois and other tribes. Don is standing (left) in front of a cabin he built.

LOCATION:
The demonstrations will be held outdoors in front of the Sewall Andrews Log Cabin Trading Post Museum & Gift Shop. Canopies will be set up in case of direct sun or rain. Limited seating provided - BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIRS.

The following Walk-thru tours will be offered AFTER the demonstration:
🔘First floor of the 1842 Greek Revival house (est. 1970)
🔘Native American Gallery (renovated 2024)
🔘Log Cabin Trading Post (restored 2026)

ALL AGES WELCOME! Pick up 2026 Walworth & Waukesha County Passports and Letterbox clues while you're at the presentation.

Free Admission - Donations appreciated.
Free Parking in the lot behind the museum and along the street as marked.
Tents, tables, card table chairs (limited number) will be set up under the tents in front of the Log Cabin. Bring your own lawn chairs.

East Troy Area Historical Society East Troy Railroad Museum North Prairie Historical Society New Berlin, WI Historical Society Muskego Historical Society Eagle Historical Society Old World Wisconsin Pewaukee Area Historical Society Village of Mukwonago Burlington Historical Society Museum Delavan Historical Society

08/24/2026

We have updated the deadline for Time Capsule submissions to Saturday, September 26th! This change is to coincide with our End of the Season event at the museum—more details about the event will be shared soon.

In the meantime, we’re calling on local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals to help us fill the time capsule, which will be opened in 2051!

Tag someone you think should contribute—we need your help to make this time capsule truly special!

What we have so far. Local maps and tourism information, LMHS 2026 yearbook, a fantastic sub time capsule from American Legion Post 67 - Lake Mills, WI , a July 2026 Lake Mills Leader Independent, pictures from kids completed at Aztalan Day 2026. L. D. Fargo Public Library expansion information, Business info and a donated bottle of bourbon from Lewis Station: Winery I Distillery I Kitchen which will have instructions to auction off in 2051!
Need ideas?

Restaurants: copies of your current menu offerings,
Taverns: Beer lists, Wine Lists, fun pictures
Businesses: memorabilia, advertising items etc.
Organizations: Current member lists, activities your group have completed in 2026, milestones, pictures etc.
Families: Group photos from reunions in 2026, stories, or your predictions for the future, have fun with it!
Individuals: Write yourself a letter to be opened in 25 yrs!

It can be a simple as a business card of a local business to a creative item made specifically for the time capsule.

Contact us and we will pick items up!

08/09/2026

Due to the stormy weather the museum site will be closed today.
Happy for the rain, but sad we can't host visitors today. Stay dry everyone!

08/01/2026

Due to the much needed rain, the museum site will be closed today, Saturday, August 1st.

07/19/2026

Pies!

04/14/2026

Check out our lastest blog:

From Glacial Origins to Community Park- The Story of Tyranena Park

https://www.lakemillsaztalanhistory.com/post/from-glacial-origins-to-community-park-the-story-of-tyranena-park