ATTENTION
The alley behind the Museum is scheduled to be re-paved April 14 – May 16. The Museum’s parking lot will be inaccessible during this time.

Upcoming Events

Friday, May 16th, 8:30 a.m.
Unveiling of Fox River Locks Markers
Location: Appleton’s 2nd lock (off lower Onieda Street, near the Between the Locks building).
In collaboration with the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Trails, The History Museum developed historical markers to share the history of the system and the historical details of the specific lock and community where each marker is located. Join us for a public unveiling on May 16th. Learn more about this project »

Saturday, May 17th, 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Magic Shows on Stage! FREE with Admission.
Bring the whole family to The History Museum to explore the life of Harry Houdini. Watch the kids unlock the mystery of Houdini’s most famous tricks in the hands-on exhibit. Then sit down and prepare to be amazed as local magician Louis D. Lepore performs on stage.

Sunday, May 18th
Free Admission all Day!
Help us celebrate International Museum Day! We invite you to explore The History Museum and take part in the activities below.

Sunday May 18th, 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Behind the Scenes Tours
Go “ behind-the-scenes” with Museum Curator Sharon Clothier. Get a sneak-peak into the vast collections the Museum preserves. The rich and diverse collection includes 15,000 objects, 35,000 photographs and 800 cubic feet of documents. Because the groups will be going into artifact preservation areas, space in each group is limited to 12 people. There are no reservations. Entry will be first come first served.

Sunday May 18th, 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Victorian Lawn Games
Kids and the young-at-heart will test their balance and agility playing good ‘ole fashioned games on the front lawn of The History Museum. Put down the Wii and turn off your ipod it’s time to try out some stilts, hoops and gracies!

Monday, June 9th, 6:30 p.m.
Silent Film: Lillian Gish in “Broken Blossom”
The 1919 silent film, produced and directed by D.W. Griffith is widely regarded as Griffith's masterpiece, eclipsing even his better known epics. Lillian Gish's masterful performance aside, critics have been especially impressed by the formal sophistication and narrative complexity of the film. Read Review. With Frank Ripple on organ — in partnership with the Packerland Organ Society and Wisconsin Public Radio. Ticket price is $7.00. Contact Lee to reserve tickets.

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Babcock Dairy Hall Bus Tour: Madison, WI
Join Museum staff for a guided tour of Olbrich Botanical Gardens located in Madison. Stroll through 16 acres of outdoor display gardens including Olbrich's Rose Garden and Thai Pavilion. Enjoy a tropical paradise in the Bolz Conservatory, a glass pyramid filled with exotic plants, bright flowers, a rushing waterfall, fragrant orchids and free-flying birds. Afterwards take a tour (and a taste!) of Babcock Dairy Hall where we will enjoy an award-winning, gourmet ice-cream cone.
$40 members, $50 for non-members - Includes guided tour, bus, lunch, and ice cream.
Contact Lee to register before May 9th and get $5 off!

Weekdays, June 16th -Aug 15th, every half hour from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Plays on History
In partnership with the Lawrence University Theatre Arts program, “Plays on History” will be performed in the galleries throughout the summer. The three short vignettes deliver historical dramas that have shaped the lives of ordinary Wisconsinites. In a quarter of an hour, visitors are able to make a personal connection to history. Suddenly, the objects in our exhibits become less static as they create the context of the story about to be told. The past takes on a very tangible presence. Read specifics about the three plays»

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ten Chimneys Bus Tour: Genesee Depot, WI
Ten Chimneys is the estate lovingly created by theatre legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Join Museum staff for a guided tour including the 2008 exhibit, Fashion Forward: The Gowns and Garments of Lynn Fontanne.
$50 members, $70 for non-members - Includes guided tour, bus and lunch.
Contact Lee to register before June 6th and get $10 off!

For more information

Contact Matthew Carpenter, Deputy Director at matt@myhistorymuseum.org
920.733.8445 ext. 113