Old World Wisconsin

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

Old World Wisconsin is the world's largest outdoor museum dedicated towards depicting the life of 19th century rural life. Located just southwest of Eagle, Wisconsin, the museum opened in 1976. It contains 60 original structures built by immigrants from Finland, Germany, Poland, Norway, and Denmark. There is also an African American area and a Yankee area. Two structures on the site are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Koepsell House and the Christian Turck House. The museum staffs employees and volunteers who dress up in the clothing worn and recreate the activities of the people who used to live during that time period. Historic baseball is also played at the museum during the summer.


Images

  • One of the farms at Old World Wisconsin
    One of the farms at Old World Wisconsin
  • The Christian Turck House
    The Christian Turck House
  • The German farms
    The German farms
  • The blacksmith working at the Koepsell House
    The blacksmith working at the Koepsell House
  • Members of the "Eagle Diamonds" team
    Members of the "Eagle Diamonds" team

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

Researchers traveled across Wisconsin searching for well-preserved historic structures. Once that process was complete, they carefully dismantled them, numbering each piece. When they arrived at the museum, they were rebuilt. The African American area is a more recent addition to the museum.

Sources

"History of Old World Wisconsin". http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/About/History.aspx. Retrieved 4-7-15.

Additional Information