By Kris Leonhardt
Editor-in-chief
BROWN COUNTY – The Brown County Federation of History Organizations (BCFHO) will offer a weekend immersion in Brown County history as it hosts “Brown County History Days” May 15-21.
Fourteen Brown County historical locations will provide a week filled with over 20 free programs spread throughout Brown County’s historical environments.
“Brown County History Days came from the growth of the Brown County Federation of History Organization’s History Treasure Tour, a one-night event where guests could visit multiple historical organizations to view artifacts and learn about them. The BCFHO reflected on the original History Treasure Tour and found that because there is so much to explore, hosting a week’s worth of events would give people more opportunities to engage with Brown County’s heritage and visit multiple institutions and attend a variety of programs,” explained Neville Public Museum of Brown County Curator James Peth.
“Brown County History Days allows the public to experience the exciting and diverse knowledge held here in Brown County. This event gives the organizations the opportunity to showcase their collections, share their stories, and engage with the public.
“There are 14 history organizations participating in the weeklong event.”
Participating organizations include Ashwaubenon Historical Society, Bay Area Genealogical Society, Brown County Historical Society, Green Bay Diocese Museum, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Heritage Hill State Historical Park, Howard-Suamico Historical Society, National Railroad Museum, Neville Public Museum, Oneida Nation Museum, Pulaski Area Historical Society, The Automobile Gallery, UW-Green Bay Archives Department and the Viking House located on UW-Green Bay campus.
Some of the program offerings include:
History in the Details
Hosted by the Brown County Historical Society, the tour of Hazelwood Historic Home is a hunt for decorative and architectural details in an eye-spy scavenger hunt. The hunt will encourage an in depth look at 19th-century artifacts while experiencing the story of Hazelwood. Complete your hunt and win a prize.
History of the Green Bay Fire Department
During this program offered by the The Automobile Gallery, visitors can learn about the history of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department through a 60-minute presentation by retired Green Bay Metro fireman David Seigel.
If These Walls Could Talk: Discovering House Histories
Discover the research strategies and historical documents that will provide you with the clues you need to uncover the history of your home, presented by the UW-Green Bay Archives Department.
A New Kind of Prison: The Wisconsin State Reformatory, 1898-1974
Learn about the unique history of the Wisconsin State Reformatory located in Green Bay during a presentation at Heritage Hill State Park.
Adolph Vandertie: Hobo and Tramp Art
Learn about the craftsmanship of wood carver Adolph Vandertie. A highlight of the Ashwaubenon Historical Society program will be viewing the unique collection of hobo and tramp art objects.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BCFHO/events.