The Grand Reunion!

𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣!
In 1976, to celebrate America’s bicentennial, we opened Old World Wisconsin to share the stories of Wisconsin’s early settlers. On July 3, 2026, we will be celebrating 50 years of bringing history to life and the opening of the brand-new Welcome Center. As we ring in the nation’s 250th anniversary and celebrate these momentous occasions, we are welcoming current and former staff, volunteers and individuals who helped build the site to reflect on 50 years of Old World Wisconsin.
It’s a Grand Reunion, and you’re invited to join in the celebration! The activities start at 10 a.m. with the ribbon cutting ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
Music from the Madison Brass Band
Remarks from Doug Raney, Old World Wisconsin Site Director, and Christian Overland, Wisconsin Historical Society Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO
Ribbon Cutting of new Welcome Center
Reflection on Old World Wisconsin’s Beginnings
Special Fourth of July menu at the Clausing Café
Limited 50th anniversary brew available at the Brewhouse
Your ticket includes The Grand Reunion! and Old World Wisconsin general admission access

𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁
Adult (18-64): $24
Teen (13-17): $24
Senior (65+): $20
Child (5-12): $16
Children under 5: Free
Members: Free
Book Tickets: wihist.org/434alRv

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Old World Wisconsin includes 60 authentically restored historic homes, farms, stores and workshops—and a fully operational 1930s tavern. Each region features a distinct set of stories that invite you to experience the hopes and dreams of those who came before us. From the 1840s to the 1940s, you’ll find a true panorama of early Wisconsin history, covering more than 70 years and many cultures, including African American, Danish, Finnish, Hessian, Irish, Norwegian, Polish, Pomeranian and Yankee.
Old World Wisconsin first opened in 1976. Researchers traveled throughout Wisconsin in search of historic buildings crafted by the first generation of Wisconsin immigrants and migrants. From Lake Superior to the Illinois border, and from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, historians documented countless historic farmhouses, outbuildings and small-town structures. Once research was complete, the meticulous construction of Old World Wisconsin began. Piece by piece, workers carefully dismantled historic structures from around the state and reconstructed them in their new home..