Door County Historical Museum and Archives

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

Hope to see you at Heritage Village on Monday!

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

Did somebody say Ice Cream?

I was recently digitizing some of our oldest glass plate negatives when one image caught my attention. It was a late 1800s Sturgeon Bay street scene with a building that had something painted on a window. A quick zoom-in of the image revealed those life-affirming words: ICE CREAM.

Now, if there was ever a history mystery worth digging into, this is it. Was this the first ice cream shop in Door County? Was this an indicator of early tourism? How in the name of all things dairy were they pulling this off before electricity?

Any good historian knows that to understand the past, you must begin with the present. So, I’m heading out into the field for some very serious “research".

History is hard. Demanding. Occasionally requires sprinkles. But I am committed to the work. I will get to the bottom of this, one scoop at a time. - Joe

06/09/2026

I was recently digitizing some of our oldest glass plate negatives when one image caught my attention. It was a late 1800s Sturgeon Bay street scene with a building that had something painted on a window. A quick zoom-in of the image revealed those life-affirming words: ICE CREAM.

Now, if there was ever a history mystery worth digging into, this is it. Was this the first ice cream shop in Door County? Was this an indicator of early tourism? How in the name of all things dairy were they pulling this off before electricity?

Any good historian knows that to understand the past, you must begin with the present. So, I’m heading out into the field for some very serious “research".

History is hard. Demanding. Occasionally requires sprinkles. But I am committed to the work. I will get to the bottom of this, one scoop at a time. - Joe

06/06/2026

A perfect place to kick off History Days!

What does the Declaration of Independence have to do with Door County? You might be surprised. Join the Door County Historical Society on Monday, June 15, at 10:00 a.m. at […]

06/05/2026

We're working on a new section of our Founding Industries exhibit exploring the evolution of the axe.

The axe helped humans clear land, build homes and boats, and shape the world around them. It played a major role in the development of agriculture, permanent settlements, and eventually entire civilizations. It even helped shape the Door County we know today.

What other inventions do you think had a big impact on human history?

06/03/2026

Love history? Enjoy meeting people? Looking for a fun way to give back?

We'll be at the Volunteer Fair this Saturday and would love to meet you! The museum is looking for volunteers to help welcome visitors and point them in the right direction (we promise, no advanced archaeology degree required).

Stop by our table and see how you can help keep Door County's stories alive!

06/01/2026

Calling all railroad enthusiasts—can anyone help us identify the people or pinpoint the exact location shown here? We do know that this steam locomotive was one of the original three steam locomotives operated by the Ahnapee & Western Railway.

This incredible image was recently digitized from its original glass plate negative. The photograph was likely taken sometime between 1894 (when the spur to Sturgeon Bay was opened) and 1915 (when they replaced the locomotive). We'd love to hear any insights, stories, or clues you can share!

05/29/2026

Did you get them right?

1) Reveille
2) Attention
3) Charge
4) Mess Call

05/27/2026

What in the giant muffin are Keirsten and Chris up to now?