Wisconsin Historical Society: History is in bloom at Old World Wisconsin

Eagle, Wis. – On August 19-20, Old World Wisconsin will bloom with garden activities during Heirloom Garden Weekend.

“Join us to explore Wisconsin’s wonderful gardening history,” said Dan Freas, site director of Old World Wisconsin. “Heirloom Garden Weekend is an event for people of all ages to enjoy.  With over a dozen gardens to look through, fantastic cooking demonstrations, samples of our organically grown heirloom produce and more guests will discover the gardening practices of early immigrant settlers.”

This special weekend is fun for all ages and includes many family-friendly educational opportunities.  Children can participate in hands-on activities ranging from creating natural plant dyes, to discovering the sweet magic of honeymaking and botany demonstrations.  The event will include tours with heirloom garden experts who will talk about and showcase hundreds of different vegetables, flowers and herbs, some of which guests will get to taste-test!  In addition to the organic food tastings, guests are also invited to get their hands dirty and try out old fashioned gardening tools, help weave a garden fence and visit the root cellar, rockery and rootery.  Guests will receive tips on photographing gardens, dyeing with plants and gardening with animal manures.

Collect tips, inspiration and historic recipes for growing and enjoying heirloom plants in your own garden.  Stroll through the gardens, petting and sniffing delightful plants along the way.  Old World Wisconsin’s plants, staff and volunteers look forward to welcoming you to celebrate heirloom gardens.

The event will take place on Saturday, August 19 through Sunday, August 20 from 10am – 5pm daily.  Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission.  Admission rates: Adults (18-64) $19; Children (5-17) $10; (children 4 and under are free of admission); Senior citizens (65 and over) $16. Fees include an all-day tram transportation pass, and parking is free. For more information, please call 262-594-6301 or visit http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/.

Old World Wisconsin is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s twelve historic sites and museums.